David Lee Isenbarger

David Lee Isenbarger, born January 24, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio, left us on April 21, 2026, in Xenia, Ohio—peacefully at home surrounded by family.

A graduate of Roosevelt High School in 1953, David briefly flirted with architecture classes later in life but soon realized his true calling was designing the ultimate family dynamic—and what better way to do that than building furniture, jewelry boxes, and cutting boards? His woodworking skills were practically legendary. Professionally, David was a dedicated Tool Maker for General Motors until his retirement in 1999. His precision and craftsmanship at work mirrored the meticulous care he showed in everything from golf swings to casino visits alongside his beloved wife, Helen, with whom he shared 44 remarkable years of marriage. If there was a slot machine or a bowling lane nearby, you could bet David would be there, plotting his next friendly victory.

David was the undefeated champion of antagonizing the "rivalry of his favorite daughters," a pastime that perfectly showcased his great sense of humor and love for poking fun at those he cherished most. His lovable teasing extended to starting playful battles over who claimed the title of best son-in-law, ensuring lively family gatherings filled with laughter—and probably a touch of mock drama.

David’s hobbies across his life read like the ultimate "What Dad Does on the Weekend" checklist: woodworking, camping, fishing, golfing, bowling, playing cards, building pinewood derby cars with his boys and acting as a Cub Scout Den Leader. When not crafting masterpieces or chasing the family around in good-natured competition, he was a past member of the Huber Heights Jaycees—serving as External Vice President and earning the title Man of the Year.

Above all else, David was fiercely proud of his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he protected as zealously as he guarded his crown in family showdowns. He leaves behind wife Helen; children Kathy (Tom) Tomazic, Jerry Isenbarger, Todd (Kathy) Isenbarger, Don (Susan) Isenbarger, Nikki (Tyler) Mitchell, and Brandi Ehrhart; grandchildren Jeremy (Jenna) Cameron, Justin Cameron, Ali Tomazic, Savannah Hughes, Jessie Isenbarger, Stella (Josh) Hyre, Donnie Isenbarger, Christina Isenbarger, Kennedy Mitchell, Logan Mitchell, Evy Ehrhart, and Jacob Ehrhart; plus several great-grandchildren, brother Mike (Karen) Isenbarger, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

David joins his parents, Raymond and Evelyn Isenbarger; sisters Nancy Curtis and Linda Eck; and brother Richard Isenbarger—who hopefully are now engaged in their own spirited family competitions in the great beyond.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on April 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Southern Ohio Brewing, 818 Factory Rd, Dayton, OH 45434. Come prepared for stories, laughter, and maybe a few good-natured jabs—just how David would have wanted it.

David was a man who knew how to play the game of life with a twinkle in his eye and a well-timed quip, proving that being "set in his ways" could actually mean "expert-level family heckler." Rest easy, David. May your woodworking projects require fewer corrections, and may you finally declare yourself the undisputed best father of all time.