David K. Corven

David Keith Corven, 83, of Armada, MI passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Dave was born in Flint, MI to Gertrude Adeline and Homer Alexander Corven on July 8th, 1936. He married Sharon Elaine on September 19, 1954 at the Congregational Church in Pontiac, MI. Dave was all or nothing in all he did and poured his heart and soul into his work. After being a part of Michigan’s National Guard, he proudly started his lifelong career in automotive filled with many accomplishments. Dave helped design and build the Chaparral 2J race car, driven by Jim Hall, in 1970. He was one of three inventors of the Optical Fluid Level Monitor and one of six inventors of the Capless Fluid Reservoir. Dave’s passions, however, did not end there. He also had a love for model airplanes. He achieved level 4 in LSF status in 1978 and was one of the founding members of the Greater Detroit Soaring and Hiking Society where he remained a motivated competitor up until this spring. Any spare time he had was spent modifying, building, and bettering his planes for the next flight. But as much as he loved his planes, perhaps his favorite trophy was his 1973 Corvette Stingray he restored by hand to its original glory. Dave proudly displayed his Corvette with his friend, Hutch, and grandson, Maxwell, in a number of local car shows, and almost always came home with an award. Dave spent his life caring and providing for his family. He is known for always showing up and being the one who could fix anything. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Desiree Lynn Cook. He is survived by his wife Sharon: children, Rebecca (Matthew) Ruthenberg, Candace Milazzo, Christopher (Anita) Corven: grandchildren, Audrey (Nick) Costanzo, Sara (Tom) Rice, Lauren (Ryan) Angell, Madeline, Maxwell, Emma, Isabella, Jessie, Curtis, Jamie (Eric) Buszka, Erin: and 7 great-grandchildren. Due to the current climate, a memorial will be held to honor Dave’s life at a later date. At this time, condolences can be sent to Sharon Corven at 80700 McFadden Rd Armada, MI 48005