David "Dave" M. Saum

David "Dave" Marshall Saum passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, December 23, 2022.

He was born to the late Marshall and Helen (DeLauder) Saum on March 14, 1956 in Columbus, Ohio.

Dave loved nature and spending time in the woods.  He also loved cooking and creating dishes.  He started his career in Columbus but soon tired of the city.  He moved to Southeast Ohio and took a position at Old Man’s Cave Lodge in the Hocking Hills where he met his wife.  He also worked at R.J. Pitcher Inn in Lancaster and Hide-A-Way Hills Lodge before taking a break from cooking and operating his portable sawmill business.  He loved working outdoors and did that for several years until he decided to return to cooking.  He retired from Crestview Rehab Facility in December 2020.

Dave touched more people during his short time than he realized.  He was loved and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years Carla (Elick) Saum; son & daughter-in-law Michael and Stephanie Hrabak Saum; grandchildren Lotus, Loukas & Lillian; father & mother-in-law Carl and Sue Elick; sister Diane Downard; brother & sister-in-law John and Becky Saum; and several nieces & nephews.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law James “Jim” Downard.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM, in the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel, 405 N. Columbus St. Lancaster, OH 43130, Rev. Jill Dunlap officiating. Caring Cremation® will follow. Family and friends may visit Monday, January 2, 2023 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM, and one hour prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank E. Smith funeral home to help defray expenses.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.