David Lee Gilliland

David Lee Gilliland, age 81 of Fremont & formerly of White Cloud, passed away on Thursday morning, February 12, 2026 at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.  He was born on October 4, 1944 in Fremont, Michigan to Raymond J. & Evelyn R. (DeKuiper) Gilliland.  David went to Fremont Christian School and then graduated from Fremont High School in 1962.  He went to Muskegon Community College, Ferris State, and Mid-Michigan Law Enforcement Academy at Lansing Community College.

He was in the US Army Security Agency (ASA) during the Vietnam Era, and he spent 3.5 years in West Berlin, Germany.  He was a two time unit soldier of the month, and he was a non-commissioned officer. 

David played high school baseball and basketball, and All Seaway Select Basketball.  He played for two military travel basketball teams, ASA “Big Blue” and participated in tournament play against international competition.  He also played on the unit fast pitch softball team which won an ASA European championship. 

David was also an assistant basketball coach (boys & girls) at Providence Christian High School, which was a great opportunity to pay it forward.  He was a MSU Spartan fan and 3 sport season ticket holder in the 1970’s – Go Green!

David was a Sergeant in the Lansing Township Police Department, and he was a Deputy Sergeant and Undersheriff for the Newaygo County Sheriff's Department.  He also worked at Fremont Mutual Insurance Company after 20 years in uniform. 

David is survived by his brother, Brad (Vicki) Gilliland; sister-in-law, Susan Gilliland; many nieces & nephews; and by his good friends Kiley Lauren (Six) Kavanagh, Ryan Maike, and Dean (b-ball machine) Morehouse.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Scott & Bob Gilliland; sister, Linda Shaft; sister-in-law, Marlene Gilliland; and by his good friend Margarita “Margo” Elena Ramos. 

According to David’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont.  Suggested Memorial:  St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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