David Duchamp

As family and friends will tell you, David Duchamp truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and his intellect and solid work ethic allowed him to be a provider for many. There was nothing that brought Dave greater joy than being surrounded by his loved ones. His dedication to caring for his community has impacted the lives of many others, and he faced every obstacle that came his way with unwavering determination. Loved beyond measure, Dave will be forever missed and remembered.

The late 1930s were among some of the most tumultuous years in history for those living in the United States. The Great Depression still cast a heavy shadow over the nation, and many held their breath as tensions surrounding WWII continued to rise overseas. During this dark time, however, there was excitement to be found in the household of Clarence and Marie (Fournet) Duchamp of St. Martinville, Louisiana, as they awaited the arrival of their very first child! It was on October 15th, 1939, that David James made his entrance into the world. He would be one of four Duchamp children and a big brother to three younger sisters, Yvonne, Jane, and Alma.

Growing up, Dave was in some ways a typical young man of his generation. He was raised in the family home in St. Martinville, a small town filled with friendly neighbors. Dave’s father, Clarence, owned and operated Duchamp’s Garage while his mother, Marie, worked as a seamstress. The dedicated and industrious work ethic modeled by his parents, would serve Dave well throughout his entire life. He adored his sisters and would sing silly songs with them and use his jigsaw to create puzzles for them. As a boy, Dave could be quite mischievous. He and his cousins once dug a pit behind his Aunt Marie’s house and covered it with branches, catching their cousin, Betty, in the trap! Also, Dave and his sister, Vinny, delighted in racing around in Gismo, the go-kart they built together. When he was 17, the family suffered a devastating tragedy with the sudden loss of his mother. However, they were blessed to later gain another beloved family member when Clarence married Eunice Broussard.

From a young age, Dave took an interest in science and mechanics. He once landed himself in trouble for taking apart a refrigerator; upon seeing the parts spread across the floor his Aunt Marie said that, “It better be back together by the time get back,” and it was. Dave indulged his fondness for nature by joining the Boy Scouts of America and as a teenager was able to attend the Boy Scout National Jamboree. Following his graduation from St. Martinville High School, Dave went on to attend the University of Southwestern Louisiana, earning degrees in both chemistry and mathematics. He then earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the California Institute of Technology. As a graduate student, Dave excelled academically and was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and a National Science Foundation Fellowship.

After completing his graduate work, Dave was able to begin his career as a research scientist for the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He would go on to spend more than 30 years with the company, working his way up the ranks to the position of Executive Director of Information Technical Research and Development. Dave was also a reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and served as a member of many professional organizations. He was the president of the American Crystallographic Association in 1990. Throughout his remarkable career of research and computer science, Dave was grateful to have the opportunity to do what he loved.

While studying in California, Dave was fortunate to meet the remarkable young woman who would become the love of his life. Her name was Annette Sleigh, and the two first met horseback riding. There was an instant spark between them, so they started dating and fell head over heels in love. Dave and Annette were overjoyed to get married, and in the coming years, they would see their family grow to include their three beautiful children, James, Vivienne, and Joseph. He thrived in his role as a father, and his kids were his greatest source of pride and joy. Dave’s children always knew they could come to him for guidance or advice. When they were young, Dave and Annette would take the children on road trips across the country to visit family. They enjoyed stopping at every national park along the way.

Later in life, Dave was thrilled to become a grandfather to Trenton, Makayla, Skylar, and Ezra. He adored his grandkids and had said that grandchildren were the key to a marriage as wonderful as his and Annette’s. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Dave and Annette took their children, in-laws, and grandchildren on a wonderful trip to Disney World. Ten years later in 2024, they celebrated their 60th anniversary with a special dinner at Martel’s.

Never one to sit still for long, Dave had many hobbies and activities. He and Annette were both active volunteers in their community, he helped Annette run a Loaves and Fishes food pantry for many years. Dave also volunteered with several other causes that he was passionate about, including the Boy Scouts, the American Youth Soccer Organization, and Isle Royal National Park. He was dedicated to making the world around him a better place. Dave enjoyed reading and photography. He loved nothing more than spending time in the great outdoors, visiting national parks, hiking, camping, canoeing, and rock collecting. Dave was an active member of both the Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society and the National Model Railroad Association. He even constructed an elaborate model railroad layout of his own. Dave’s favorite foods included fried catfish and sweet potatoes, and he was known for his huge sweet tooth and his love of root beer and chocolate.

When reflecting on the extraordinary life of David Duchamp, it is easy to see both his unwavering perseverance and his unconditional love for his family and friends. He was a shining light in his community, exemplifying what it meant to be dedicated to serving others. A devoted family man, Dave was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who always had a listening ear and thoughtful advice to offer. His insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around him, and no one ever remained a stranger for long. Though he is already so greatly missed, Dave leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on.

David James Duchamp passed away peacefully August 15, 2025, at home with family by his side. Dave was born October 15, 1939, in St. Martinville, Louisiana, the son of Clarence Duchamp and Marie Fournet Duchamp. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother; his sister Yvonne Bulliard; and his son Larry. He is survived by his wife Annette; sisters Jane Thibodeaux (husband Lonnie Thibodeaux) and Alma Criddle (husband Michael Criddle); children James Duchamp (wife Denise Stanley), Vivienne Ward (husband James Ward), and Joseph Duchamp (wife Tina Sumpter); and four grandchildren Trenton Ward, Makayla Ward, Skylar Duchamp, and Ezra Duchamp.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life Service on September 13th, at 12 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Celebrate Dave’s life online by sharing favorite stories and photos on his personalized webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.

Those desiring may make a memorial contribution to one of the following: Isle Royale & Keweenaw National Historical Parks Association (IRKPA, PO Box 233, Houghton MI 49931), Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes (901 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001), or Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society (KMRHS P.O. Box 144, Parchment, MI 49004), Cathedral of St. Augustine Cathedral (542 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI).