Dave Bevens Jr., lovingly known as Diamond Dave, died unexpectedly following a brief illness on July 22, 2023. He was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1974 on Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19th). Dave is the eldest son of Dave Sr. and Leslie (Black) Bevens, previously of Columbus, OH, presently of Quincy, FL.

Dave spent the first few years of his life at Ft. Riley in Kansas, where Dave Sr. was stationed in the United States Army. It was here that Dave first showcased his adventurous spirit, wandering away from home at 2 years old - he was found just a few houses away. His early days in Ft. Riley also built his impressive deep-sleeping skills: he slept through a display of 52 tanks blasting 105 mm shells and through a big-time wrestling match, during which a wrestler landed on top of Dave in his baby carrier.

Dave and his family moved back to Columbus, OH where he spent his childhood riding bikes, skateboards, and scooters, playing baseball, football, and basketball, and drinking out of the garden hose like any good Gen Xer. He later served as assistant coach for his brother Beau's little league baseball team.

Dave graduated from Whitehall Yearling High School in 1992, where drama class was one of his happiest times. This should come as no surprise to anyone who knew and loved Dave's boisterous personality and antics.

After high school, Dave worked with his dad in the automotive dealership world working his way up to parts manager. In 2009, Dave and his parents moved to

Key West, FL where they created and ran a beloved wine and cigar bar, Cork & Stogie. Dave worked behind the bar of the Cork & Stogie, making everyone's favorite bloody mary on the island. He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone warmly into the bar, especially dogs.

During his time in Key West, Dave became lovingly known as Diamond Dave, and his sparkly personality could turn any frown upside down. In 2018, Dave supported a local charity with his run for King of Fantasy Fest. This included a fantastic stage performance of Napoleon Dynamite's famous dance. Running for King, and winning Duke, of Fantasy Fest was one of his proudest endeavors. Dave loved Key West, always sharing that it was "his island". He loved the water, being on boats, and was once quoted as saying "I would live underwater if I could". His Key West family meant the world to him.

In addition to Dave's parents, Dave is survived by his two younger brothers, Justin (Kate) of Dunedin, FL and Beau (Kelly) of Tallahassee, FL. Dave was so incredibly proud of both Justin and Beau. Dave leaves behind his son Jaimey (Chelsea) Franks and beloved granddaughter, Zoie Franks, of Zanesville, Ohio. In addition to these immediate family members are many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as countless friends from every stage of his life. Dave was beloved by all who met him and our worlds will be far less vibrant without his energy.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Dave's name to the Florida Keys SPCA Center for Animal Welfare and Education. https://fkspca.org/

A celebration of Dave's life will be held in Key West, FL on Saturday September 16th, 2023. Additional details will be posted to Diamond Dave Key West's Facebook page and other Key West Community pages.

Like any Diamond, he was built under pressure, brought joy to others, shone brightly, and was so very precious to his family. Dave delighted in the success, happiness, and joys of others. The memories that his friends have shared on social media have similarly brought joy to his family during this challenging time. Should you be so inclined to continue to share your life's joys and delights, please use the hashtag #DelightForDiamondDave