David P. Pray

David Peter Pray, age 77, of Clinton, Mich., passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Hospice of Lenawee Home in Adrian, Mich. He was born in Detroit, Mich. and lived there until the age of nine. He is the oldest of four children. His youngest brother, Tom (Tammy), lives in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. His other brother, John (Janet), lives in Highland, Mich.

David graduated from Tayor Center High School in 1964 and attended Adrian College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1968.

He is the father of three daughters who all graduated from college; Kristin (Vince) Vescelius was born in 1972 and graduated from Central Michigan University; Robyn (Chad) Olson was born in 1974, graduated from the University of Michigan and then received her MBA from Michigan State University. Robyn and Chad have three children – Marlena, Ben, and Lila; and Lauren, born in 1976, graduated from Michigan State University. In addition, he has three step children, Mark Baylis of Sault Ste. Marie, who has two children - Wyatt and Dillian; Kelly (Michael) Tongel of Penn.; and a son-in-law, Matt Dorr of Clinton and a sister-in-law Barbara Frye of Tecumseh.

He was married to Pam for 25 years.

He has been with his special love, Julie Johns, since 2018.

He taught fifth and sixth grades for one year at Deerfield Public Schools before coming to Clinton in 1970. While at Clinton he taught sixth grade for 17 years, was elementary principal for five years, was middle school principal for two years, and was superintendent for 21 years before retiring in 2013. While at Clinton he served as a junior varsity football coach for five years and varsity football defensive coordinator for 10 years; junior high basketball coach for 15 years; Young Astronaut club advisor; girls junior varsity basketball coach; and since 2013, has been a volunteer on the CHS football staff.

In addition to the bachelor of arts degree he also earned a Masters degree in Educational Leadership (1973) and Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership (1993) from Eastern Michigan University.

He has served as president of the Lenawee County Elementary Principals Association, Clinton Jaycees, Clinton Rotary, and Lenawee County Superintendents Association and presently served on the Lenawee Intermediate School District Board of Education, Lenawee Community Foundation Board, and the Maurice Spear Board.

Honors included twice being selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers; member of Circle of Excellence for his 4.0 average in the Specialist program at Eastern Michigan University; the 1996 Lenawee County Educator of the Year; and selection as the Michigan Association School Administrators Regional (Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Jackson and Livingston counties) Superintendent of the Year in 2013, and Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 6 assistant coach of the year.

Mr. Pray enjoyed attending various Clinton school events and was a follower of University of Michigan athletics. He participated for many years in competitive softball and basketball and ice hockey.

He was preceded in death by his parents (David and Sonia), wife (Pamela), a sister (Anne), and daughter (Katie).

Memorial visitation was held on Monday, April 22, at the Clinton Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. A celebration of life service was held on Tuesday at the Clinton High School Gym with visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to award a scholarship to a Clinton student each year. Online condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.