David was born December 26, 1967, in Monmouth County, NJ. He was a United States Army and National Guard veteran and was employed by the N.C. Department of Transportation. The greatest joy of his life was his family, especially his two sons. He believed in his country and was proud to serve in the military.

He is survived by sons, Taylor James Van Lew and David Alex Van Lew; mother and step-father, Jane F. McKenney Shinn of Ohio and Nelson Shinn of Alabama; father, David Allan Van Lew, Sr. of New Jersey.; brothers, Christopher J. Lomauro of New York, Sean P. Van Lew of New Jersey and Theodore N. Shinn, III, of Alabama; and sister, Natalie F. Shinn Dubeansky, of Ohio.

A LETTER FROM HEAVEN"

My Dearest Family,
Some things I'd like to say
but first of all to let you know
that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above
where there's no more tears or
sadness, there is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight,
remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.

That night I had to leave you
when my life on Earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said "I welcome you.

"It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone,
as for your loving family
they'll join you later on."

Then God gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do,
and foremost on that list of mine
is to watch and care for you.

And I will be beside you
every day and week and year,
and when you're sad,
I'm standing there
to wipe away the tear.

And when you lie in bed at night,
the days chores all put right,
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on Earth
and all those loving years,
because you're only human
they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry,
it does relieve the pain,
and remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you
of all that God has planned,
but if I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.

And one thing is for certain,
though my life on Earth is o'er.
I feel as close to you now
as I always was before.

To all my many friends,
trust God knows what is best.
I'm still not far away from you,
I'm just beyond the crest.

When you are walking
down the street
and you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind.

And when you feel the gentle breeze
or the wind upon your face,
that's me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace.

And when it's time for you to go
from that body to be free,
remember you're not going,
you are coming here to me.

And I will always love you
in that land way up above.
I'll be in touch again soon.
P.S. God sends His Love