Dave Smith

Dave Smith, 63, passed away on June 27, 2018, after a private, two-year battle with cancer.

Despite being born in Hazard, Kentucky, (September 25, 1954) and passing in San Carlos, Calif., Dave considered himself a Hoosier. A 1972 East Noble High School graduate, Dave ran track and cross country and played basketball for the Knights. His athletic endeavors took him to Vincennes and IPFW for college. His love of sports was something he shared with his whole family. His wife Paula (Baker) loved to accompany him to baseball games. They married in Kendallville on December 18, 1976, at Faith United Methodist Church and soon were sharing the love of sports with their daughters, Tarrah (Joe) Pollaro of San Francisco and Tricia Smith of San Mateo, Calif. Dave coached many of their basketball and softball teams over the years, and was often hitting the links with his son-in-law and many close friends. In the last few years, Dave could be found teaching his grandkids Adella and Brody Pollaro to dribble, play catch and even attempt a golf swing. Even as he battled cancer, Dave loved to watch his beloved Hoosiers and Cincinnati Reds; though neither brought much satisfaction recently, he remained a devoted fan.

His incredible work ethic from sports translated into a rewarding career. He worked 42 years in Electronic Control sales, starting at King-Seeley in Kendallville, working many years for United Technologies Electronic Controls in Huntington, Ind., and after a semi-retirement, he and Paula established DP Smith Sales in California, where he could work some and spend more time with his family.

Family always came first for Dave. His parents, Harold and Iola (Davidson) Smith, preceded him in death. He also lost two brothers, Ron Reaves and Keith Smith, as well as a beloved nephew, Christopher Trowbridge. One of six children, Dave is survived by two brothers, Jack (Robin) Davidson of Jefferson, Ga., and Bill Smith of Kendallville as well as a sister, Pam (Steve) Trowbridge, of Kendallville. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends that were like family will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held on July 13 at Hite Funeral Home from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., with a memorial service on July 14th at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Church in Kendallville. He will be laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery in Kendallville.  A memorial scholarship fund is being established in his honor. Share a favorite memory or send a condolence online at hitefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dave Smith, please visit our floral store.