David Dean Laurell, 66, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away on June 28, surrounded by family from near and far. David was born at St. Charles Hospital, Oregon, Ohio, on October 18, 1957 to Patricia A. (Toth) Laurell and Arnold E. Laurell. Both parents preceded him in death. Left to preserve his memory are his sister, Pam Laurell; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Vicki Laurell; nephews, Adam (Danielle) Laurell, and Andrew (Alison) Laurell; niece, Erin (Matthew) Hagedorn; great nieces and nephews, Elsie and Fintan Hagedorn; Grant, Abigail, and Isabelle Laurell; Maclin, Cecelia, and Rylie Laurell; and godson, Jason (Janell) Toth. Cousins, Joseph R. and Jacob Toth; and uncle, Joseph F. (Sharon) Toth also survive.

David was a 1975 graduate of Clay High School where he excelled all four years as a starting offensive lineman on Coach Ted Federici's GLL championship Eagle football teams. After graduation, he attended Ashland College on a football scholarship until he was sidelined by a knee injury. David was employed at Toledo Edison and later at Great Lakes Windows, and he is still remembered by former Oregon Rec employees of the 1970s as the only guy who could move an entire set of bleachers by hand, by himself. David "Bubba" was a hulk of a man with the gentlest of hearts. He would help anyone with anything when he was able, and his niece and nephews fondly remember him picking them up from preschool and taking them to lunch, as well as attending as many of their sporting, and musical, and theatrical events as he could. In his later years he would care for his mother in her home.

He was a man of many and varied talents and interests, from mechanic to self-taught banjo player, from Bible translator to painter. He displayed brawn and bravado and was a fierce competitor, even at classic board games like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. His studious and sensitive side was displayed in artwork and woodwork he would create for family. The trait he shared most often was his quick wit, and his one-liners left others in tears from belly laughter. He led a simple, private life, but those who knew him well knew his huge heart and felt the deep love he had for them. In the words of his godson, "he will be missed but never forgotten."

The family wishes to thank friends and loved ones who walked beside Bubba and his family during his final weeks. Special thanks to Oregon Fire and Rescue; to his surgeons, Dr's. Moore, Afaneh, and Dickman from Mercy St. Vincent's; and to his caring nurses/aides, Jared, Bryce, Dave, and Taylor.

In honor of the private life he led, there will be no visitation or services. A private family inurnment and celebration of his life will take place at a later date.