David Lee Ybarra, Sr.

David Lee Ybarra, born July 13, 1980, in Toledo, Ohio, was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, veteran, and friend. To those who knew him best, Dave was so much more than a list of titles. He was a provider, a protector, a storyteller, and a natural comedian who could bring laughter into any conversation.

Dave graduated from Whitmer High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. He retired Sergeant First Class in 2022 after 22 years of dedicated service. The Army shaped much of Dave’s life and gave him a military family he deeply valued, but there was never any question about what mattered most to him: his family.

On January 24, 2003, Dave married his wife, Amanda Faye (Holt). Together, they built a life centered around family, laughter, and love. Dave was incredibly proud to be the father of Alexandria Paige and David Lee II. He worked hard to provide for his family, not simply because it was his responsibility, but because caring for the people he loved was part of who he was. And no matter what life brought, Dave never seemed to miss an opportunity to make his family laugh.

If you spent much time with Dave, chances are you heard a story, a joke, or both. He loved history and had a wide range of interests that kept life full. His weeks often included Tuesday and Wednesday euchre tournaments. Over the years he enjoyed dartball, golfing, birdwatching, woodworking, and duck hunting. In the fall, you could find him cheering for THE Ohio State Buckeyes and the Dallas Cowboys. His taste in music was just as uniquely Dave, ranging from Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. Dave also believed in showing up for people, especially veterans. His years in the Army gave him a deep connection to those who had served, and he cared deeply about helping veterans who were struggling. Even when Dave was carrying struggles of his own and did not always know how to help himself, he still had a heart to help others. He was connected with the American Legion Post 320, Wreaths Across America, the Elks of Maumee/Bowling Green, and the Catholic War Vets.

After retiring, Dave found another place to serve at CedarCreek Church. If something needed to be done, Dave was willing to help. He could be found gluing signs, assembling furniture, or serving on the Safety Team at South Campus. It was simply part of his nature to pitch in, serve, and make himself useful.

Throughout his life, Dave collected more than hobbies and stories. He collected people. His military family, church community, longtime friendships, and the incredible number of friends he made along the way speak to the kind of person he was and the relationships he valued.Dave is survived by his wife, Amanda; his children, Alexandria and David II; his mother, Carolyn Lee Ybarra; his parents-in-law, James and Kelly Lumbrezer and William and Laura Holt; his siblings, Donna and Tony Perales, Jose and Brenda Ybarra, Kathy and Jason Engler, Andy and Jacky Ybarra, and Patty and Antonio Cierra; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Pete Lumbrezer, Sarah and Derek Bishop, Josh Kime, and Matt and Maresa Kime. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and an overflow of friends who were blessed to know him.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Jose Luis Ybarra, Sr.; his beloved uncle, Mike Showman; his mother-in-law, Rebecca Marie Lumbrezer; and his brother-in-law, Daniel Steven Holt.

Those who loved Dave will remember the way he took care of his family, his loyalty to the people in his life, his dedication to his country, and, perhaps most of all, the humor he carried. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but Dave also leaves behind something lasting: decades of stories, inside jokes, memories, friendships, and a family that knew how deeply they were loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Celebrate Recovery or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The family will receive guests Wednesday, November 4, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer SW Chapel, Toledo (419-381-1900). The family will also receive guests Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at CedarCreek, South Campus 2150 South Byrne Road Toledo, OH 43614. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery, Maumee.