David Wayne Solmes, Sr.

David Wayne Solmes, Sr., age 75, of Hastings, Michigan, formerly Lake Placid, FL, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 20, 2025, surrounded by family and love. Born on September 6, 1949, in Hastings, David was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, proud business owner, and active community member.

David married the love of his life, Joan Kay Solmes (Cole), on December 22, 1972. Together they shared 53 years of marriage, building a strong and loving family rooted in love of the outdoors, humor, and travel.

He is survived by his wife Joan, and their children: Stacey (Bob) Vandenberg, Christina (Wade) Woytal, and David (Tracy) Solmes. David was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy. David joined the family business, Dewey's Auto Body in Hastings, as a teenager. In 1984, he and his brother Russell took over the business, where David's work ethic and commitment to quality service were well known in the community. He retired in 2000, and his legacy proudly continues through his son, David Solmes Jr.

An avid outdoorsman, David found joy in hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He loved traveling across the United States with Joan and spent many happy days riding his TerraTrike through the streets of Tomoka Heights.

David will be most remembered for his extraordinary sense of humor. He had a gift for lighting any moment with a joke or quick wit, bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. Even in his final days, he asked for jokes to be shared with him, and delivered a few
of his favorites in return.

He was a committed member of the Hastings Rotary Club and an active supporter of his community.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Anna Mae Solmes, and his brother, Russell Solmes and sister, Leslie Solmes.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Barry Community Foundation – Coleman Agency MJ Scholarship Fund for Trades, in honor of David's passion for supporting hardworking tradespeople and continuing education, https://www.barrycf.org/funds/coleman-agency-mj-scholarship-fund/ .

David's warmth, laughter, and legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.