David “Dave” Robb Evans, 60, passed away on September 26, 2026 after a courageous battle with aggressive brain cancer. No matter how sick he felt, he remained kind and brave for those around him.
Dave was born in Lima, Ohio, to the late Judge John R. Evans and the late Joyce (Link) Evans on January 17, 1966. He graduated from Lima Senior High School in 1984, Ohio University in 1989, and Ohio Northern Petit College of Law in 1993. He was highly intelligent and pursued careers as an attorney and financial advisor. He found that office jobs weren’t suited for his free-spirited nature and desire to feel truly productive. He then switched to over-the-road trucking and the manufacturing industry, which allowed him to see many places up close, meet interesting people and made him feel part of the country’s growth. No matter where he worked, Dave found life-long friends and community.
Dave enjoyed the physicality and artistry of wrestling and martial arts. He was a second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, studying under the best Senseis out of Japan while at Ohio University. Throughout these pursuits, he earned the monikers “Mighty Dave,” “Nuclear Dave,” and “Super Dave,” as odes to his toughness, tenacity and eccentric ways. Special thanks to one of his best friends, Mike Hunter and the Danger Zone Gym crew for providing him with a place to connect with his strength.
Dave was also a major gun enthusiast, but, like martial arts, he never truly wanted to hurt anyone and appreciated the craftsmanship behind a high-powered firearm. He loved shooting at the gun range, but hunting was off the table. To him, deer were way too majestic to harm, and he’d find ways to feed them in winter months. One of his favorite hobbies was fishing – he loved living by a river the last few years and getting to cast a line and light up a cigar whenever he wanted.
He was very interested in politics, history, and sports and read hundreds of books on those subjects throughout his life. You could find him cooking in his kitchen with a book on the table, a pot of coffee brewed, and baseball on the radio. He was an avid Cleveland Baseball and Football fan, despite the continued heartbreaks throughout the years.
He was a loving and proud father to his two daughters, Allison (Lyndsay Burneisen) Evans of Pittsburgh and Marley (Nick) Spivey of Columbus, and his cherished dog Morrie – his trusty adventure buddy. Their hearts are broken to move forward without their dad, but his love, encouragement, witty advice and one-liners remain in their hearts. He is also survived by his two brothers, Jim (Martha) Evans of Waynesville and George Evans of Lima who shared his love for guns and history. Dave enjoyed the company of his nieces and nephew, Elizabeth, Katie, and William, and his great-nieces Azriella and Sadie.
Dave was one-of-a-kind and will be missed by all who knew him. He’d tell everyone to not waste their money on flowers or “any of that nonsense” but rather spend it on “something fun.” A small celebration of life will be held in Lima, and for those interested they should reach out to his daughters. For all the friends he met in various places, a toast to his legacy while enjoying time outdoors is the best way to honor him.
Dave’s private arrangements have been entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory, Wheeling Chapel, 1400 Eoff St., Wheeling WV. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.
