David James Mcbride

David J. McBride, 62, of Pigeon, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit surrounded by family and on his terms after a strong, courageous and short fight with a progressive illness.

Dave was born July 19, 1960 in Pigeon to the late Fred McBride and Carol Leipprandt.  Growing up, he loved being outside from helping out on neighbor’s farms to dirt clod and green tomato fights with siblings.  He graduated from Laker High School in 1978 and in 1979 won the heart of a girl from Kinde while driving in the demolition derby at the county fair. A few short years later in 1981 he married that girl who has been his best friend and main person ever since. Together they raised two boys.  Dave retired as a truck driver from Huron Castings after 30 years.  In 2001 Dave and Sheila started Thumb Area Road Testing and have been responsible for thousands of drivers getting their license.  Dave loved his family and was passionate about being there to support his kids – which never stopped even as they became adults.  Dave coached his son’s little league teams, would always find time to throw the ball in the yard, and served as the Laker FFA Alumni President for many years.  He was very active and enjoyed hunting, golfing, playing cards, shooting pool, and spending time with friends and family – especially summer weekends at the campground. He excelled at being Grandpa and Papa to his four grandchildren – who absolutely adored him.

Dave is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sheila; sons Ryan (Christina) of Ohio and Brett (Jessica) of Pigeon; grandchildren Evan, Eric, Kyleigh, and Lucas; sisters Barb (Bill) Herford of Elkton, Anne McBride of Seattle, and Heather (Pete) Drabek of Bad Axe; brother Scott (Billy) of Palm Desert; brother-in-law Roger (Nancy) Hunt of Hale; sister-in-law Kathy (Chink) Murawski of Romeo; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends including Don (Donna) Wheeler of Pigeon.  He was preceded in death by his step-father Donald Leipprandt and brother-in-law Don Bruce.

Visitation will be 2-8pm Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the Champagne Funeral Chapel with funeral services to begin at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to be made in honor of Dave’s grandchildren to be used for their college education accounts. Memorial contributions can be sent directly to Sheila McBride or Venmo to

@Sheila-McBride-21.