David Alan Drow

David Drow, 58, of Urbana, Ohio, formerly of Ypsilanti and Britton, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 23rd, 2026. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Donald and Joanne (Farchione) Drow, David entered the world exactly as he would live in it — ready to take charge. His mother often said he was “born an adult,” busy even in the womb, and he never stopped moving from that day forward. Though nearly six feet tall, towering in a family where most stood well under that — he carried more than physical height. He naturally became the one we all looked up to. He was preceded in death by his loving father, Donald Drow, and his beloved nephew, Alexander Drow. David is survived by his devoted wife, Martha; his daughter, Carrie (Michael) Nance; and his son, Anthony Drow. He is also survived by his mother, Joanne Drow; his sister, Katie (Matt) Heddle; and his brother, John (Charlene) Drow. He leaves behind his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Lynn (Cheryl) Luckhardt and Mary (Jeff) Thompson, and his mother-in-law Elsie Luckhardt. He was a proud and deeply loving uncle to Miles, Desmond, Leia, Emmett, and Morrison Heddle; Spencer and Evan (Jes) Drow; Glen and Lee Luckhardt; and Annie Thompson. David grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan, revealing his leadership skills at a young age. He demonstrated this when he boldly told his mother at age four that he would take care of her when she had fallen ill, a role he took great care of until his death. As a child, he was always surrounded by cousins, family gatherings, and especially his beloved brother John, who was his partner in adventure long before their baby sister Katie arrived. Together with cousins they spent endless days swimming in their grandpa's pool, riding dirt bikes, fishing, driving before having a license and finding all kinds of ways to get into mischief. In his teenage years, David was notorious for skipping school sometimes with his brother, but mostly with his friends, to go have fun. They once even skipped town to Chicago. Those same friendships forged in Ypsilanti endured from childhood through every season of life. The close-knit group of friends remained one of the great anchors of his world, and they too are heartbroken at his passing. He was also very active in his faith from a young age, serving as altar boy at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Whittaker, MI. He later served alongside his father in the Knights of Columbus, planning many gatherings and celebrations. David started the Friday Lenten Fish Fry at the parish, a tradition that continues to this day. David loved music and was very active in band during his formative years becoming the Drum Major of the Ypsilanti High School Marching band. He would later pass on his love of music to his children and as they grew, he took great joy in being very active in the Graham Bands that they were a part of. And true to David, he formed strong connections and friendships there as well, helping to plan and organize as much as he could even serving as Treasurer of Graham Band Boosters. David’s love of music also extended to the dance floor where he could always be found clapping and singing loudly, dancing with pure joy. Every party memory is filled with images of David dancing the night away. When David was a teenager his strong work ethic began at Snappy’s pizza, a foreshadow of his later years owning his pizza shop. He loved the independence and control that working gave him, and he really began to shine as he stepped into the working world. David’s professional achievements continued to demonstrate his gift for leadership. He began working at the Saline Evangelical Home where he met the love of his life, Martha (Luckhardt). While there, he also obtained his Certified Dietary Managers Certificate and became Food Service Director. After David and Martha were married, a promotion moved them to Urbana, OH where David became the Food Service Director of Urbana hospital. His success as a leader helped him obtain a Regional Director role for HDS Services, a company he stayed with for many years. David and Martha built a life centered on love, family, and steadfast commitment. They made a beautiful life in Ohio raising their children, Carrie and Anthony, whom he was endlessly proud of. He and Martha were looking forward to welcoming their first grandchild and celebrated Carrie’s pregnancy announcement over the holidays with great joy. Despite their busy lives in Ohio raising their children, David and Martha made it a point to travel back to Michigan regularly to visit and be an active part of their extended family’s lives as well. David never wanted to miss a thing. He also never wanted to fully commit to being an Ohio resident, a fact that became very clear to the Ohio community whenever Michigan and Ohio State would play each other in football. David loved to tease his coworkers, decorating cafeterias in Maize and Blue. David’s later years would see his company bought out, prompting him to split his time between his homes in Urbana, Ohio, and Britton, Michigan, where he opened Uncle Davey’s Ice Cream Shoppe—a perfect reflection of his joy and his love of bringing people together. Everything he did—he did well, and as the ice cream shop gained a loyal following David started to plan an expansion. He moved the ice cream shop down the street, expanding the building space, the menu, the staff, and his community. He loved to serve people and found joy in his loyal customers. Even on days when he was closed, if someone called in for an order, he would fire up the ovens and make it for them, never wanting someone to go away disappointed. He had a true servant heart and was a pillar in every community he touched. He took great pride in being a place for people to gather, where he could feed them and connect. He employed three of his nieces and nephews and supported many local schools, sports teams, and clubs as sponsors. David also absolutely loved to travel and despite his busy life he always made time for exciting trips. Every picture he saw of a place he hadn’t visited before he would say ‘oh I’ve gotta go there!’ He loved to plan vacations, relishing the details of timing everything just right so he could squeeze in as much fun as possible. He was able to visit Italy twice, took many fun trips to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, endless visits to Disney, Florida, California, cruises, so many places. David thought nothing of going on adventures. He was always ready to go. More than anything, David loved having his family together and he loved having a party. He was the party orchestrator, because to him, gathering was everything. He threw the parties, did the cooking, and made sure everyone had what they needed. He was known for his barn parties, 4th of July parties, massive firework displays he put on at his lake house that the entire lake watched as the main event, and so much more. His family often felt that even the parties he didn’t organize didn’t really start until he walked in. Every Christmas Eve would find him walking through his mother’s door saying ‘okay, what are we doing’ meaning he was ready to take over. He laughed loudly and easily, filled rooms with energy and joy, and had a way of making each person feel seen and cared for. His favorite exclamations — “Jesus Murphy!” and “Momma mia!” — were usually delivered with enthusiasm and a grin. Other favorite phrases were often used while driving at high speeds behind slow people, which we won’t share here. When his father passed away unexpectedly years ago, David quietly and steadfastly stepped into the role of family leader. It was something he would do again and again whenever loss came — taking charge, making arrangements, holding everyone steady. He was a doer with the most giving heart, and he carried that responsibility not as a burden, but as an act of love. It was his honor to care for all of us, and he made sure we knew that. David drove faster than the speed of light — the same way he lived. Fully. Urgently. Intentionally. Squeezing every possible moment from the days he was given. We will gather as a family to celebrate his life and to comfort each other, just as David would have wanted. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 P.M. at Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home, Saline. Visitation will continue on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 10:30-11:30 A.M. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Saline. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 A.M. with Fr. Josh Luttig Celebrant. Following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at the Church. Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 stjude.org or to a charity of one’s choice. Envelopes will be available at the gathering. To leave a memory you have of David, to sign his guestbook or for directions, please visit www.rbfhsaline.com

Tributes

David Alan Drow

March 7, 1967 - February 23, 2026