David E. Smith, 81, of Englewood, Ohio, and formerly of Millbury, Ohio, passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 5, 2025 at his home. David was born in Norwalk, Ohio, April 28, 1943, to David and Dorothy (Grant) Smith. After his service to the United States Air Force, Dave was a marine wireman on the ships of the Great Lakes. His skills were rare and was regularly requested by subcontractors of his shipyard and the shipyard across the river. The "Spar Jobs" left him dangling from the masts of ships by his harness while he did his work, often in lake effect weather. He was not one to complain about it, and he always thanked Sue for the homecooked meal waiting for him every night. Dave was a family man who built his kingdom in his Millbury home of 46 years. His workshop was the place where he turned Sue's ideas into reality for cabinets, picture frames and a custom entertainment center. His shop drew a crowd during the Annual Smith Thanksgiving Gathering and was the envy of many a handyperson. He loved a project that "demanded" a new tool! As a pillar of St. Peter's UCC, he could be found singing tenor in the choir, building sets for Jr. Choir musicals, building a sound system, and repairing any electrical or carpentry problem. On Sunday nights he could be found at the bowling alley, earning trophies and yelling, "HOLY MACKERAL!" with his team. He also played dartball for many years and served as a trustee. Dave and his buddy Jerry were the "Old guys in the balcony" from the Muppets and rivaled any stand-up comedy team. Dave gathered too many lifelong friends to name at St. Peters in his many years there with Sue and girls. A fan of both football and marching bands, he cheered on the Genoa, Woodmore, and Perry High School football games, along with those at Grove City College. He also loved a car trip, no matter how short or long, and told many a tale while in the passenger seat.

Daivd is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susan; daughters, Stephanie (Keith) Colbert, Jennifer Schmidt, and Shelley Stuart; grandchildren, Brian Matthew, and Maria Colbert, Dustin Schmidt, Julia Schmidt, Riley (Caleb) Baird, Lily, Charles, and Trinity Stuart; great-grandchildren, Teddy Schmidt and Renee Baird; brother, Ralph (Sylvia) Smith, step-brother, Ralph (Beverly) O'Hara; and step-sister, Althea (Bill) Dobbins; along with many loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Grace.

The family will receive friends at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road (east of I-280) Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 10:00 am until memorial service at 11:30 am. Private interment in Williston Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Grace Brethren Village, 1010 Taywood Road Englewood, Ohio 45322, Allen Clay Joint Fire District 21016 W. Toledo Street, Williston, Ohio 43468, or Parkinson's Foundation, PO Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN 56007.