David Mylo Lusty

He left this world peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, one month shy of 90 years old.

Dave’s arrival into the world on December 18, 1935, was inside a farmhouse without electricity or running water. His doctor had to travel 13 miles and then get picked up by a horse drawn sleigh for the last 2 snowy miles. He was the 6th child born to William and Sophia (Rice) Lusty, in Mentor, Minnesota. Dave was born with a gentle spirit and an unwavering sense of responsibility who dedicated his life to caring for others.

Dave attended grade school in Mentor, Minnesota, then Oak Park, in Oslo, Minnesota, for junior high school, and finished high school by graduating from Aneta, North Dakota. He moved to Michigan and worked his way up from the janitor to the General Manager at Melling Forge. He later worked in the same industry in Evart, Michigan, and finished his career at Federal Forge as a salesman.

Dave met and married the love of his life, Dorothy “Sue” (Thomas) Lusty, at the First Methodist Church. He was a devoted husband and a proud father of five daughters, whom he raised with kindness and a quiet strength that defined his character. Dave and Sue sat in quite a few bleacher seats and vowed that one or both of them would attend every single performance that their daughters were participating in. If there was an overlap of various athletic events, they urged Grandma and Grandpa Thomas to show up and cheer extra loud in their absence. After the passing of his beloved wife, Sue, he carried on with remarkable resilience, embracing both roles - mother and father - with grace and deep love. His daughters were his greatest joy and his life’s purpose.

Dave was known by all as a good man - steady, honest, and generous with his time and heart. Whether lending a helping hand, offering thoughtful advice, or simply sharing a warm smile, he touched the lives of many. His integrity was unquestionable, and his compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dave cherished woodworking in his barn, restoring tractors, and fixing snowmobiles. His wisdom and giant smile left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was a long time member of the Lions Club, Redeemer Church, and served in many other capacities within the community.

Dave purchased a basement home, on a 2 acre lot, that he built, wired, plumbed, and always made significant memories happen with neighbors and his own children to reminisce about over the years. He lived in this home that he built with his own two hands for 68 years.

Dave leaves behind his five cherished daughters who will forever remember him as their hero, their guide, and their greatest supporter: Sherri Moyer (John), Debbie Jenkins (Mike), Patty Leonard (Butch), Kari Roy (Dan), and Amy Lusty; his grandchildren: Stacey Olivier (Brent), Jessica Lowe (Simeon), John Moyer (Allison), Justin Madar (Ashlynn), Ami Leonard, Corey Leonard (Megan), Lucas Roy, Karly Roy, Lauren Jenkins, and his great-grandchildren: Logan, Landon, Sophia, Adelynn, Henrik, Graham, Hayden, Finley, Shiloh, Alanzo, Anna, Mikeiah, Danika, and Remi; his in-laws, Lu Lusty, John Thomas (Kathy); and a whole slew of special nieces, nephews, and cousins. Though their hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing he is reunited with his wife, watching over them together.

Dave is preceded in death by his wife, Sue Lusty (2018); parents, Sophia (1976) and William (1989) Lusty; and siblings, Adeline Holter (1986), Eber Lusty (killed in WWII in 1943), Gordon Lusty (1976), Gene Lusty (2020), Joanne Johnson (2022); and his mother and father-in-law, Dorothy Thomas (2006) and Fred Thomas (1985).

A visitation for Dave will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Redeemer Church, 13980 Schavey Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820. A memorial service to honor Dave's life will take place on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at the church. A graveside service will occur at a later date.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Stacey Olivier, Jessica Lowe, John Moyer, Lauren Jenkins, Ami Leonard, Corey Leonard, Justin Madar, Lucas Roy, and Karly Roy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David Mylo Lusty can be made to Redeemer Church, 13980 Schavey Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820.

The family would like to give a special shout out for superior services from Sparrow Hospital’s Comfort Care Unit, Seniors Helping Seniors, and the Helping Hands at Redeemer.