Nov. 11, 1935 – Oct. 21, 2024
David Allen Smith, 88, of Rochester, passed away on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
On Nov. 11, 1935, David Allen was born in Milford to Donald Dean and Bertha Cox Smith. Growing up, he shared his childhood with seven sisters. David developed a passion for agriculture, as he helped his Dad on the farm during his formative years. In 1953, he graduated with his class from Culver Community High School.
After graduation, patriotism beckoned and David answered the call, serving with the U.S. Army. His service stint included time in Japan. Specialist 4 David A. Smith was honorably discharged on March 31, 1962.
David met the love of his life, Marcia Ann Dawson, at the local roller rink, where they both shared a passion for skating. Their love story blossomed, and they married on June 23, 1954, beginning 70 years of life’s adventures together. From their union came three wonderful children, Ed, Tonia and Ken. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
David was a farmer by profession, cultivating soybeans and corn, while also raising livestock. He had a deep love for restoring tractors, successfully restoring numerous Allis Chalmers, Oliver, John Deere and Minneapolis Moline tractors over the years. David and Marcia also enjoyed spending their winters at their house on Lake Okeechobee in Florida, where he could often be found fishing in his spare time. One of the highlights of their marriage was traveling the country together to attend tractor pull competitions, a passion they both shared. David's work ethic, love of the land and enjoyment of life's simple pleasures will be remembered by all who knew him.
Left to cherish David's memory are his beloved wife, Marcia Ann Smith, of Richland Center; son, Edward and Debra Smith, of Okeechobee, Fla.; daughter, Tonia Rensberger, of Kewanna; son, Ken and wife Carla Smith, of Argos; eight grandchildren, Jenny Steininger (Matt), David Smith (Tiffany), Rich Rensberger (Stephanie), Jessicka Rensberger (Van Lehenbauer), Bradley Szucs (Jordan), Marci Feldman (Brian), Kristi Stackman (Mike), and Mitchell Richard (Julia); nine great-grandchildren; and five sisters, Vivian Bush, of Culver, Ellen Dewitt, of Argos, Sandra Holcomb, of Monterey, Victoria Swizek (George), of Granger, and Jo Listenberger (Terry), of Culver.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Donna Ditmire and Vera Cook.
A celebration of the life of Mr. David Allen Smith is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Pastor Bob Metzger will officiate. His family will receive friends on Oct. 25, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. and one hour prior to his service Saturday at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. The Richland Center IOOF Lodge No. 435 will conduct a memorial service at 7 p.m. Friday evening. Graveside services will be at the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery. The Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Army Honor's Team will accord military rites.
Memorials may be made to Richland Center Odd Fellows Lodge No. 435 or Richland Center Tractor Pullers. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
