Obituary

David J. Young, age 49 passed away peacefully in Dayton, Ohio on January 5, 2026. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Virginia Elliott, Grandparents, Arnold & Sonja Rogers, and multiple extended family members. He is survived by his wife, Heather Young, Father (step), William Elliott, and many extended family members.

Dave recently began a deep relationship with Jesus where he found peace and strength. It was important to him and he recently urged his Facebook friends to have their own relationship with our Savior before it’s too late.

Dave loved the outdoors and enjoyed exploring the woods where he would pick mushrooms and berries. He was always willing to share his favorite spots because that’s the kind of man he was. He loved fishing and would happily fish for whatever was biting but especially enjoyed deep sea fishing and catching monster catfish.

Dave enjoyed cars and was an automotive mechanic most of his life. He would tinker around on anything, especially with friends. He loved demolition derbies and wanted to drive in them but due to a bad back, was forced to settle just watching.

He loved critters of all kinds and had a special way with animals. He would pet absolutely anything and made friends with local wildlife, hand feeding everything from squirrels to opossums. He was even caught feeding a spider that he adopted in the basement, much to his wife’s dismay. He rescued and cared for many animals wild and domestic. Growing up he enjoyed caring for farm animals and as an adult he had fish, dogs, rabbits, rats, lizards, and snakes. He really enjoyed feeding the squirrels and birds, especially hummingbirds. He loved going to the beach where he would find and of course touch critters of all kinds which once resulted in a jellyfish sting.

Dave was a great man that enjoyed helping others. He had a creative talent far greater than he ever believed he had. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

In honor of his love for animals, his wife asks in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made to an animal rescue in your area or foster a pet in need.