David William, a brilliant young man, passed away on the evening of May 28, 2026, in Blacksburg at the age of 27. Born June 24, 1998, in Radford to father David Charles Yaun and mother Shannon Lee Swartz, David was raised in Blacksburg alongside his older sister Karah Comstock (Yaun).
David possessed remarkable versatility, showcasing his talents and accomplishments in various fields. As a painter, he garnered numerous gold and silver Scholastic Key Awards throughout his middle and high school years for his exceptional acrylic and watercolor art. Most of his creations were generously shared with friends and family. In addition to his artistic pursuits, David had a passion for auto mechanics and bodywork. He was often found assisting others with their vehicles or working on his own projects. When not engaged in these activities, he delighted in cooking for anyone he met, experimenting with new recipes or inventing his own to share (as long as they weren’t too spicy for Nana and Grandad).
David’s life was a journey of meeting new people, learning new things, and spreading joy through laughter and acts of kindness. He had an innate ability to help anyone he encountered and did so when he could (though if you asked him to move something, you might have gotten a little whine of protest!) He enjoyed kayaking on the New River with his friends and hiking with his Great Dane, Daisy May. Undoubtedly, what he loved most and his greatest accomplishment is his beautiful two-year-old daughter, Heidi Elise Yaun.
David was preceded in death by his mother, Shannon Swartz, a great-uncle, Thomas Yaun, and numerous great-grandparents. He is survived by his cherished daughter, Heidi, his father, David Charles, and his wife, Jennifer; his sister, Karah, and her husband, Zaine, as well as their children, Heather and Lucian Comstock who are all deeply affected by his passing.
Additionally, David’s paternal grandparents; David R. and Joanne H. Yaun, aunt(s) and uncle(s) Brian Yaun and Dawn Viers-Yaun (Brynn and Mia), Kathryn and Bob Stockland (Irelynn and Bridgette), as well as his maternal grandparents; William “Bill” Swartz and Patricia Ryan, aunt Tracy Swartz (Hayley, Sidney, and Calum), Uncle Liam Swartz (George), and his half-sibling Nathan are left to mourn his loss alongside many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
We will always remember his smile, laughter, and bone-crushing bear hugs. Services were held June 6 in the chapel at McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
