David Smith

David Ernest Smith, age 80, of Douglas Wy, left this earth to be with his father in heaven, Saturday, March 17, 2013. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 2:00pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, in Casper WY followed by interment at the Veteran's Cemetery. David was born on August 6, 1932 in Edinburg, TX but spent most his life in Belleville, Michigan. His parents were Martin and Mae Smith and was the eldest of 10 children. David was not a formally educated man, as he only went through the 7th grade in school but David was an intelligent man. He was self-educated. He knew something about almost everything. David was drafted into the Army in November 1952. He served in the Korea and Japan, returning stateside in September 1954 when he was released from active duty. He was decorated with the United Nations Service Medal, National defense Service Medal and the Korean Service Ribbon with 1 Bronze star. He was discharged from the Army Reserves, October 1960. He eloped with Charlene May Gardner on January 4, 1955. Driven by David's brother Arnold, they crossed the state line into Indiana to wed. David was working late nights at the time and Charlene remembers telling David that if he fell asleep on the way to Indiana, she wouldn't marry him. He didn't fall asleep. They were married for 58 years and had four children; Michael Ray, Cathy Ann, Ruth Ann and Elizabeth Ann. David went to work for the City of Douglas in 1980. He worked in the Public Works Department as Mechanic II but was more the "Dave of All Trades". He did more welding and fabricating then mechanic work and retired after 18 ½ years. He was saved by his Lord Jesus at the age of 10 and spent his life serving God and spreading his word. He was very active in the Douglas Seventh Day Adventist Church. David is survived by his caring wife Charlene, son Michael and his wife Deb (Sioux Falls, SD), daughter Cathy Smith(Ft Meyers, FL), Daughter Ruth Magnuson and husband Dave(Chappell, NE), daughter Elizabeth Stetz and husband Justin(Casper WY); His grandchildren Gail, Krista, Jennica, Michelle, Ethan, Jennifer, Kyle, and Kayla; And 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 sisters Lila Losher and Cheryl McGowen (both in Michigan), and 3 brothers Lenard Smith(CA), Arnold Smith(MI), and Joseph Smith(WA). He was preceded in death by both his parents, 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

Service

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 2:00pm

Seventh Day Adventist

2625 Mountain Road

Casper, Wyoming 82601