David William Smith, 65, a man who longed for the open road cruising on his motorcycle or his convertible, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 in the comfort of his loving wife and family, and his dearest friend.

 

He was born on August 21st, 1957, in Muncie, Indiana, the son of Robert and Barbara (Hyatt) Smith, who preceded him in death along with his beloved sister, Janet Smith, and his mother and father-in-law, Sally and David Allgood.

 

David is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Amy and his sister, Nancy Smith Gibson and her husband, Ed and their beautiful children, Kelsey Morris and Ryan (Erica) Risselman; Amy's brothers and sisters, Dianne (Tom) Wagner, John (Cindy Pural) Allgood, Todd (Carolyn) Allgood, and Meg (Craig) Stanley; and numerous nieces and nephews who Amy and David...loved...loved....loved.

 

He spent his childhood in Michigan City, Indiana. Some of his fondest childhood memories were times spent with his Grandpa Hyatt. David was fourteen when he met his soul mate and wife, Amy, in a junior high art class. He swept her off her feet with his boundless, devil-may-care sense of humor and they never looked back. She always admired him for being her rock. 

 

David began working as a paper boy at the age of twelve. Working at Kentucky Fried Chicken during his youth inspired his desire to have his own franchise. Owning his own Dairy Queen business became a dream come true, opening on August 9th, 1986.

 

In December of 2006, David met with his State Farm agent for his annual insurance review. During the visit, Ben shared his disappointment over the fact that he had hired a new person who had never shown up. David expressed his interest in taking the position and they became the real life, “Odd Couple.” Ben was Felix and Dave was Oscar. Two very different men who loved, appreciated, and trusted each other. They had a great working relationship and a great friendship for seventeen years.

 

David worked tirelessly and enriched the lives of others with his quiet demeanor and sense of humor. He was extremely fortunate and enormously proud of his long-standing relationships with friends and many whom he considered his FAMILY!!!!! David touched the hearts of anyone who took the time to know him. Those who knew him remember him as determined, trustworthy, compassionate, loyal, and always fair. He gave a new meaning to the word best friend and was truly loved by everyone who called him, “Smitty.” He was smart, fearless, had an amazing work ethic, and understood people. David was generous, compassionate, kind and a man of impeccable integrity....all stuffed behind a rebel persona.

 

One of his proudest accomplishments was overcoming his battle with Hodgkin's disease thirty years ago. Sadly, his cancer in another form was diagnosed one year ago.

 

David will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

 

A special thank you to all the physicians and nurses whose care was deeply respected and appreciated.

 

There will be no visitation. A private service with family and friends is planned. There will be a “Smile & Story” memorial service at a later date. Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, Indiana is handling arrangements.

 

To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit www.otthaverstock.com.