ATHENS, Ohio — David Earl Smith, 73, of Athens went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 10, 2023. He was born at home during a blizzard on March 1, 1950, to Leonard Arthur Smith Sr. and Pauline Roberts Smith.
David played basketball and baseball for Ames Bern High School and chess at Federal Hocking. He was the 1968 valedictorian as a member of the first graduating class of Federal Hocking High School. He went on to receive a bachelor of arts degree from Ohio University.
David joined the U.S. Army in 1974 and was stationed in Berlin, Germany, where he received the Occupational Medal of WWII (as Berlin was still occupied and surrounded by the wall). After his honorable discharge in 1978, he returned to Germany and his bride, who was teaching for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools. The couple traveled throughout Europe, Israel, and Egypt.
In 1983 he and his wife returned to the U.S. and resided in Vista, California. During this time he was employed by the U.S. Commissary Dept., then the U.S. Postal Service, and became a first-time father. During his stay in Vista he completed his MBA at National University.
The family returned to Ohio in 1988. David was with the U.S. Postal Service in Zanesville and was the postmaster at Kimboltion, New Lexington, and The Plains. He retired from USPS in 2005 with medical concerns. Later David worked with Athens Transit and then HAPCAP (still in the Athens Transit Dept). He retired from HAPCAP in 2022.
He was beloved by those who knew him, though few did as he was often reserved. He was a good man, with quiet strength and a gentle warmth. He is deeply loved and truly missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Smith Sr., on January 30, 1993, and mother, Pauline Smith, on April 10, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda K. Lohse-Smith, and his only child Storm (A.P.) Smith, as well as his brother Arthur Smith Jr. (Barbara) and sister Judy Diane Smith.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, 24 Morris Ave., Athens. Graveside service will follow at Mud Sock Cemetery (Amesville) at noon led by Rev. David Roach. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion and VFW Post 9893 Honor Guards. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Walking Wild Fox Rescue (WalkingWildRescue.org), OhioHealth Hospice or VA Primary Care at Home. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
