David Stewart Yohn

David Stewart Yohn, age 88 passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. He was born on June 7, 1929 in Shelby, Ohio to the late Joseph Van Yohn and Agnes (Tryon) Yohn. David Yohn was many things to many people: a generous yet stern parent, an affectionate grandparent, someone who knew the definition of being a true friend, a loyal family member to many aunts, uncles and cousins, a devoted son, a dedicated student and teacher, a curious and tireless research leader, a ground-breaking scientist, an expressive and creative writer, an avid sportsman in golf, softball and swimming, a life-long fan of The Cleveland Indians and The OSU Buckeyes, a gardener, a wine-maker, an inquisitive world traveler, an enthusiastic Otterbein and Ohio State alumnus, a tireless community volunteer and an outspoken champion of human rights, but most of all – a deeply committed and loving husband to his wife of 67 years, Olivetta Kathleen McCoy Yohn. David graduated from Shelby High School in 1947 and enrolled in Otterbein College. Upon graduation from Otterbein in 1951, he continued studies at The Ohio State University culminating in a Ph.D. in the emerging sciences of virology and immunology. David’s research career began in earnest at The University of Pittsburgh where he was a research fellow on the oral polio vaccine and received a Master’s Degree in Public Health. His next appointment was in cancer research at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo, New York where he was also on the faculty of University of Buffalo. In 1969 he and the family returned to Ohio when David was appointed to the department of Veterinary Pathobiology at The Ohio State University. Over many years David developed national and international scientific contacts through the National Institute for Health, The National Cancer Institute, The National Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The International Research Consortium for Leukemia and Related Diseases. These associations were helpful when David authored the original grant for what is now recognized as The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James. David’s scientific publication began at The Ohio State University and continued until he retired. He received numerous national and international awards throughout his career, but the award that mattered the most to him was The Distinguished Alumnus Award from Otterbein University in 2011. Otterbein was the family school. David’s grandfather Sager Tryon attended as did his parents Joseph Yohn and Agnes Tryon. Otterbein is where the David S. Yohn family began. He fell in love with a beautiful, gifted singer and fellow student – Olivetta Kathleen McCoy. The two wed in 1950. Daughter Linda was born in 1951, followed by Kathleen, Joseph, David and Kristine. David and Olivetta were famous for hosting huge family get-togethers, great parties for friends and co-workers, marathon card games, and generous hospitality with delicious food. This quote from David Stewart Yohn himself sums up his approach to life: “Old friends cannot be created out of hand. Nothing can match the treasure of common memories, of trials endured together, of quarrels and reconciliations and generous emotions. We forget that there is no hope of joy except in human relations”. In addition to his parents David was preceded in death by wife Olivetta McCoy Yohn, daughter Kristine R. Yohn and Sister Joanne Yohn Colberg. David will be greatly missed by children Linda Yohn, Kathleen Yohn, Joseph Yohn and David Yohn; grandchildren Sean Weaver, Ian Weaver, Michael Yohn, Nicolette Yohn, Alyx Kim-Yohn and Jessica Yohn; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Jan Yohn; brother-in-law Paul Colberg, sister-in-law Mary Menke Neff and their extended families; many second and third cousins and life-long friends. David and Olivetta created the Kristine R. Yohn Wellness Fund at Otterbein University in memory of their youngest daughter who dealt with mental health issues in her too brief life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the fund. Donations can be mailed to: The Kristine R. Yohn Wellness Fund, c/o Candace Brady, Executive Director of Development, Otterbein University, 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081. A Memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2070 Ridgecliff Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221, where family will receive friends at a reception following the service. Arrangement entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.