Trending
David H. McNeil, 90, died the morning of Aug. 22, 2026, at home in the care of his family. David was born on Sept. 6, 1935, in Alpena, to his parents James and Helen (Greene) McNeil. He grew up in Alpena and was a graduate of Alpena High School.
On Aug. 23, 1958, David married Marvis H. Restau, the cherished love of his life. David and Marvis moved numerous times as he pursued his education, and then with his career over the years. He earned an Associates Degree from Alpena Community College before moving to Mount Pleasant where he continued his studies earning a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in biology. From Eastern Michigan University, he earned both a Master of Arts Degree in secondary administration and an Educational Specialists Degree in educational administration. Eventually, he completed all but the dissertation portion of a doctoral program.
At five years old, David received a Mother Goose paint book as a gift, which sparked a lifetime of hand-crafted masterpieces including oil/acrylic seascapes, landscape paintings on canvas, watercolor paintings, drawings in pen/ink, oil pastels, colored pencil, and charcoal along with clay sculptures. His beautiful penmanship earned him the Palmer Method handwriting award in grade school. He enjoyed time in his woodshop too, where he carved ducks, built birdhouses, garden arbors, oak cabinets, and even tiny caskets for pets. He leaves behind, not only a legacy as an accomplished artist, but a treasure of beautiful works for family and friends to enjoy and pass down for generations.
David appreciated profound beauty in all of nature's creatures, big and small. He would recite the genus and species of insects, reptiles, plants, stones, minerals, and fossils while walking outside. He would pause to watch fireflies at night or to discover beauty in the pattern of a moth's wings. He had a passion for knowledge, spending his life learning and then passing that knowledge forward as an advanced biology teacher with 27 of his students becoming medical doctors. Along with coaching track, cross country, and boys basketball, he taught high school, adult education, and university-level courses before becoming a high school assistant principal, principal, and retiring as a superintendent of schools in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Additionally, he loved photography and took his Nikon camera everywhere capturing natural habitats across 47 United States, Canada, Africa, Canary Islands, and Mexico. His love for camping, hiking, and appreciating nature led to many summer trips with his family across the United States.
David's entire life was devoted to serving communities, with a natural talent for civic and educational leadership. He was a life-long member of Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which built self-confidence, resilience, goal achievement, leadership, and a deep sense of civic responsibility. He wore the Red Arrow Sash referring to the Order of the Arrow, the insignia for Scouting’s national honor society. He earned the Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank and most prestigious award attainable in the BSA program recognizing exceptional leadership; the Bronze Bighorn, a regional recognition in the former Exploring program acknowledging adult contributions to scouting; and the Silver Beaver for exceptional adult volunteerism. He was a past chairman of BSA's Lake Huron Area Council/Thunderhead District.
Upon retirement, David and Marvis returned to Alpena where he enjoyed giving back to the community that shaped him. He was a member of the National Association of Realtors and Michigan Board of Realtors. While working for Century 21 and Hometown Realty, he participated on the Finance and Education Committee and chaired the professional Standards Committee for the Alpena/Alcona/Presque Isle Board of Realtors receiving the Humanitarian Award in 1993. He was a top-selling Century 21 realtor as well.
He enjoyed participation in the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce as past chairman of the Ambassadors Club and a member of the Military Support Committee, which led to the past presidency of the Air Force Association. In 2000, he was honored with the Chamber's Outstanding Citizen Award.
David also supported the community through participation in various service clubs including the Ossineke Fraternal Order of Eagles Club Gold Member, Alpena Lions Club (past president), Alpena Shrine Club, Masonic Alpena-Hopper Lodge No. 199 receiving the Masons Lifetime Award, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. His affinity for law enforcement began when he served as a probation officer for the 20th District Court in Dearborn Heights and Director for Volunteer Probation Program for the 66th District Court, leading to his 27-year involvement with Alpena's Fraternal Order of Police organization as an Associate Member.
Other interests included singing in the Huron Shores Barbershop Chorus (past president) and Alpena Country Club's Men’s Association (past president). David's background in educational administration led to involvement in the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District where he served as board treasurer and president for many years.
David served on the Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union Board of Directors as treasurer and president culminating in 24 years' service. He received the Blue Ox Chapter of Credit Unions Community Volunteer Award in 2005.
Rounding out a lifetime of achievements, David was honored as a Distinguished Graduate of the Decade in 2003 having graduated in Alpena Community College's Class of 1957.
David is remembered as a leader with a zest for life, advocate for children and education, and a steadfast love for his Lord. The name David means "beloved" and has strong biblical roots, which come from the heroic King David of the Old Testament in the Bible. He certainly is beloved and remains in our hearts forever. His enthusiasm, conversational style, and sense of humor brought joy to hundreds of public school students, colleagues, friends, and family.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Helen R. McNeil and James A. McNeil and sister Carol (Duane) MacNeill.
David is survived by his sister Julie (Dale) Dewell, brother James (Patty) McNeil, his wife over 67 years, Marvis McNeil, his three children; Debra McNeil, James (Sue) McNeil, and Susan (Russell) Wooden, as well as five grandchildren; Edward Scherf, David (Ashley) Scherf, Chrystal (Glen) Scherf, Katie (Josh) Culletin, James (Chelsea) McNeil, eight great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, numerous nieces, nephews, and many other loving family and friends who brought him immense joy.
David would like to remind you that he is not gone, but has simply "gone ahead."
The family would like to thank the entire team at Hospice of Michigan for their expertise and loving compassion.
A memorial service will take place at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Alpena, Michigan Sept. 12, 2026 at noon. Visitation will be held at the church two hours prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon. Dinner will be served following the service in the church basement followed by a committal at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Alpena, Michigan or Hospice of Michigan.