David Awa Mawae's Obituary
On Wednesday December 24, 2025, David Awa Mawae passed away at the age of 80 in his home after courageously fighting Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer for two years.
David was born on January 8, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Jonah and Dorothy Mawae. The second of eight children, he was the younger brother of Jonah and the older brother of Joe, Aileen, Dottie, Sharleen, Harry, and Jimmy.
David was preceded in death by his parents Jonah and Dorothy Mawae; his son, John David Mawae, and his siblings, Jonah, Joe, Aileen, Dottie, Sharleen, and Jimmy.
He is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife Linda Chambers-Swiderski Mawae; sons: Kevin and wife Tracy, Scott and wife Whitney, Mark and wife Carolyn, his daughter Gillian and husband Kosta; his brother Harry and wife K’lynn, and his grandchildren: Kirkland, Abigail, Nathan, Anthi, Macy, Joanna, Ari, Corrie, and Keely; and Great Grandson, Joseph Michael.
David was a retired veteran, having served 24 years in the United States Army. David’s service in the Army included two tours of Vietnam where he worked primarily as chief of aviation maintenance.
David was a proud Kānaka Maoli (native Hawaiian) and shared with his sons, nephews, nieces, and grandchildren the traditions passed on to him from his kūpuna (elders). He believed that it was his kuleana (responsibility) to share his heritage and culture with the next generation, and he did it well.
An accomplished musician, David could play any guitar or ukulele by ear. He was always the happiest when he had time to play music and sing with his siblings.
David enjoyed traveling, returning often to Hawaii and recently journeying to Athens, Greece and Barcelona, Spain this fall.
During his lifetime, David went by many names: Buddha, Pineapple, Sgt. Mawae, Dad, and Pop but his favorite title was PAPA. He truly enjoyed being around his family and his grandkids. His proudest moments were being able to witness the accomplishments of his kids and grandkids.
David will be greatly missed by all and forever remembered for the love and laughter that he brought into the world.
The family request that in lieu of flowers to please make a donation to MD Anderson Cancer Research Center:
[ https://gifts.mdanderson.org/default.aspx?]
Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville. Burial will follow in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 5th from 11:00 A.M. until time of service at the funeral home.
The family request you please wear floral/aloha wear if you attended services.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?