David Lewis Yonley "Dave" passed away on November 22, 2023, in Garland, Texas at the age of 72. He was born to Fred and Marilyn (Doll) Yonley on November 12, 1951, in Kansas City, Kansas. His family moved to Dallas shortly after his birth. He picked up music from his parents at a very young age and played in many prestigious positions in orchestra throughout his school days. Dave graduated from Bryan Adams High School and attended the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where he received his bachelor's degree in music in 1974. He then received an associate degree in video production from the Video Technical Institute in 1980.
Dave was a very talented musician. He played piano, violin, and drums. He toured with his band “Sandstone” in the late 70s- early 80s where he played drums and sang and occasionally played fiddle. When the band parted ways he moved on to focus on his own audio/video production studio. In the 90’s, he played the violin/ fiddle for the church band, “Fly Away Home” at Richardson First Baptist Church and performed in the orchestra pit for countless theater productions at Garland Civic Theatre, Pocket Sandwich Theatre, and several other entertainment venues throughout the 90’s and 2000’s. He worked in the Audio-Visual Department for Eastfield Community College for over 20 years as a producer/ videographer until his retirement.
In addition to his passion for music and video editing, Dave loved nature, beautiful scenery, and the weather. Inspired by Bob Ross, he would occasionally pick up a paintbrush and canvas and create something beautiful. While his son and daughter were in their younger years, he enjoyed camping and always had a fascination with railroads; these last several years he enjoyed taking an Amtrak trip every year. He also loved firing up the grill for a cookout and he was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.
Family is offering that those in attendance may wear their Dallas Cowboys best or Navy Blue- if they would like to.
Dave is survived by his son, Shawn Yonley; daughter, Christin Law and husband,
Bill; 3 granddaughters, Trinity Law, Brooklyn Law, and Hailey Jade Law; sister, Coralyn More and husband, Michael; and brother, Fred Yonley and wife, Ellen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Sr. and Marilyn Yonley, and niece, Camille More (22 months).
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/david-lewis-yonley-dave.
The family will receive guests for a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday evening at the funeral home.
Interment will be held at Ridgeview Memorial Park following the service. There will be a reception with refreshments at the chapel to follow.