David Yamada

David Yamada was born on June 27, 1942, in Brighton, Colorado, to George Jitsuo and Edna (Matsumonji) Yamada. He graduated from Brighton High School with the Class of 1960 and went on to attend Colorado State University. In March 1964, he joined the United States Army. While serving overseas, he met Judy Ann DiBiase, and they were married on February 10, 1966, in Heilbronn, Germany. David was honorably discharged in March 1967 after three years of service.

Following his military service, David earned a bachelor’s degree in Land Use Planning and Urban Development from Metropolitan State College. He worked as a planning director for Adams County, Colorado, and later in Steamboat Springs. During this time, he also ran GDG Carpet Service with his father and brother for ten years.

In 1981, David received his master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. Throughout his career, he worked in communities across the state, leaving a lasting impact. His projects included building two golf courses, two parks, and an airport; bringing mountain water to Front Range communities through a multi-county coalition; constructing a water treatment plant; laying the foundation for a recreation center; and developing a new water treatment system for a beef plant.

David retired as a district manager in eastern Colorado in 2001. In 2003, he and Judy moved to Iowa to be closer to their first grandchild. He later served as the economic development director in Harlan, retiring in 2013.

David enjoyed golfing and fly fishing from horseback. He passed away surrounded by his family at Elm Crest Retirement Home in Harlan, having reached the age of 83 years, 1 month, and 18 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edna Yamada; sister, June Kohn; and brother-in-law, Sonny Kohn.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Yamada of Harlan; son, Brett (Robyn) Yamada of Milliken, CO, and their children: Luci (Tony) Saccomanno, Anni Pollard, Rori Pollard, Ali Pollard, Maggie Smith, and Mira Smith; son, Derrick (Susan) Yamada of Harlan, and their children: Caitlin Yamada and Taryn Yamada; great-grandchildren, Jason and Imobelle; siblings: George (Dawn) Yamada of Bloomington, IL, Glenn (Cheryl) Yamada of Longmont, CO, Shirlee (Mark) Adolfson of Erie, CO, and Carrie (Bruce) Helmer of Aurora, CO; along with many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Services will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.