David James Mullennix

David James Mullennix, aged 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 while surrounded by family. 

Dave, also affectionately known as “Grandpa X” or “Great Grandpa X,” was born on December 1, 1940 at home in Beaver Township, Michigan to Tommie and Frances (Bush) Mullennix. He is survived by his siblings Lois Sponhauer, Tom Mullinnex, Richard (Joann) Mullennix, Joyce Milner, and Raymond Mullennix; his children Diana (Greg) Hanna, Cheryl (Mick) Hanna, Sheila (Brad) Begolka, and James (Mary) Mullennix; and enough grandchildren and great grandchildren to fill every holiday with lively chaos. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn; his son, Steven Mullennix; his granddaughter, Breanna Hanna; and his sibling Shirley Anderson.

He grew up on a farm in Bitely where he learned the value of hard work and an appreciation for farm life. He walked “uphill both ways” to a one room school house in Volney and later graduated from Hesperia High School.

He married Carolyn York on September 15, 1962 in Muskegon. After a few years, they made their home on an 80 acre farm in Fremont where they raised their 5 children. The farm was never a money-maker, but rather a way for his wife to enjoy her passion for horses. He showed his devotion in countless practical ways, from caring for the horses, to making hay year after year. His children and local 4-Hers benefitted for decades from his hard work.

He worked various factory jobs until he purchased his first gas station. He became his own boss starting with Zephyr in Fremont. Being his own boss allowed him to partake in his favorite pastime of going to coffee with friends that started at Samuel’s Restaurant in Fremont. He often joked that he and his friends were solving the world’s problems. Legend has it that he never wasted a word and always spoke his mind. His last business enterprise was Dave’s Towing. He rescued many stranded drivers, including his own kids and grandkids, in all kinds of weather, available 24 hours a day for 40 years before retiring.

Besides his daily coffee with friends, his favorite things to do were sitting in his rocking chair looking out at his farm, watching sports from his recliner, and attending the weekly family dinners. The last few years of his life revolved around taking care of his beloved Blue Heeler, Bandit. Bandit was his late wife Carol's last dog. Bandit may go down in history as one of the naughtiest yet most loved dogs ever. Dave and Bandit were inseparable and he was often heard saying, “I have to get home to check on my dog.”

He was a steady, dependable, no-nonsense guy that wanted to fix things for the people he loved and his presence will be missed by many.

To honor Dave, in lieu of flowers, please consider visiting Moon Dance Cafe or the Lumberjack Shack in Fremont and leave a big tip. The family recognizes and is thankful for how important the servers and staff at these restaurants were in Dave's life.

A Memorial service will be held at Inspire Church in Fremont on Monday, November 17, 2025 with Pastor Terry Hansen officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 11-12, with the service beginning at 12:00 P.M.

You can sign the online guestbook at: www.kroeze-wolffis. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont. 

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