David H Catherman

David H. Catherman, of Farmington Hills, passed on February 7, 2026. He was born June 17,1940, to Howard and Eleanor (Grosvenor) Catherman.

Loving husband of Sandy; dear father to Steven Catherman; beloved brother to Linda Snelling, and uncle to her children; Kurt Snelling and Kim Martin; brother-in-law of Linda Freeze, uncle-
in-law to her children; Michael Freeze and Jessica (Dan) Riley, and great-uncle-in-law to Nora Riley; he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

David loved being raised in Farmington. He and his friends explored every inch of the community and had wonderful adventures on the Spicer farmer, at the Civic and later at the new Farmington High School. He was an outstanding athlete and received many awards as a four sport athlete. Dave graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and would later earn two Master’s Degrees. He taught and coached for seven years at Dunckel Junior High. Then in 1969 he was able to transfer to F.H.S. where he taught math and physical education and coached all levels of football, becoming head coach in 1989. He and long time partner, Jerry Young, developed a legendary Track and Field program that nurtured hundreds of young athletes who set records, broke records and competed nationally and internationally. Many of them choosing careers where they too, inspired young athletes. He retired from teaching after thirty four years, but continued to be involved with education. Dave and Jerry were instrumental in creating the F.H.S. Athletic Hall of Fame to honor the many fine athletes that walked the halls of his beloved school. He was the Oakland County Schools Health and Physical Education coordinator and supervised student teachers for several universities

The football coach also loved to sing. He sang for forty-four years with the Orchard United Methodist Church choir. He enjoyed performing and traveling to Europe with the Farmington
Community Chorus, Birmingham United Methodist Choir and The Langsford Men’s Chorus. One highlight for him was performing in Washington D.C. with the Army Chorus.

A Memorial Visitation for David will take place Friday, March 6, from 4 – 8PM at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Avenue, Farmington, MI 48335.

The Memorial Service will take place Saturday March 7, at Orchard United Methodist Church, 30450 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. and the
service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial Donations may be made to Orchard United Methodist Church or C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills.