David Hart Saddler, 66, of Elyria, passed from this world too soon on July 16, 2024 in Cleveland, after a short battle with lung cancer.

Born March 11, 1958 in Elyria, he grew up on his family's Hidden Valley Farm in Carlisle Township, graduated in 1976 from Lake Ridge Academy in North Ridgeville, and attended college in Michigan and Ohio before graduating in 1981 from Trent University in Ontario, Canada.  After college he worked in the steel industry, selling refractory products at mills across the Midwest.  He later became a correctional officer at the Lorain Correctional Institution in Grafton, where he earned respect from both fellow COs and inmates, who all knew him as "Sal."  In 1989, he married the love of his life, Dawn Karim-Saddler, and with her raised her two sons and a daughter as his own, and in time proudly added the role of devoted grandfather.

David was a hard worker with a strong sense of responsibility who would drive hundreds of miles to keep a promise; a wry critic of human nature who punctuated strong opinions with a hearty, infectious laugh; an experienced boatman who loved sharing his beloved Lake Erie with friends or constant canine companions; a tireless automotive horse trader with a weakness for 1960s-80s GM cars; and a gruffly loving husband, stepfather, step-grandfather, son, sibling and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Karim-Saddler; stepdaughter, Shannon Burns and stepson Michael Burns (wife, Lauren), both of Elyria; step-granddaughters, Madison Burns of Aliso Viejo, California and Elizabeth Burns of Elyria; sisters, Sally Saddler of Juneau, Alaska, and Jane Saddler of Seattle, Washington; brother, Daniel Saddler of Eagle River, Alaska, and countless friends in Northeast Ohio.  He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Glen and Elsie Rogers; parents, Robert and Shirley Saddler; and stepson, Patrick Burns. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on December 7, 2024 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church 360 Princeton Ave. Elyria, Ohio 44035. Memorial contributions in David's name can be sent to the Friendship APL 8303 Murray Ridge Road Elyria, Ohio 44035 or Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.