David Smith

GALENA–David E. Smith, 88, passed away peacefully Nov. 29, 2021, at his home with his loved ones by his side.

He was born Sept. 10, 1933, to Emory L. and Dorothy L. (Redfearn) Smith.

David graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1951.

He went to work at the Savanna Ordnance Depot before enlisting into the United States Air Force in 1952, where he served four years as a gunner, with the Flight Crew Strategic Air Command, before being honorably discharged in May 1956.

David was employed by the Galena postal service for 21 years before his retirement in 1997.

He was a member of the Elks for 42 years. David had been a loyal fan to his Chicago sports teams, Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, except for baseball, it was the St. Louis Cardinals.

In his earlier years, he spent time sketching and drawing, fishing, gardening, picking morels, trips to Las Vegas, racetracks and local casinos, working puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku and jigsaws.

David also enjoyed reading, especially the work of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling.

He is survived by his daughter, Robin A. (William A.) Kelly, Galena; longtime companion, Marita K. Watson, Galena; two sisters, Shirley Bishop and Janet (Dean) Martensen, both of Marion, Iowa; his nieces and nephews; extended family: Ron (Karen) Stienstra, Randy (Janice) Watson, Nancy Hayes and their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Timothy David Smith; and brother-in-law, the Rev. George Bishop; as well as dear family friend, Donald J. Temperly.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may gather after 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena, where military honors will be accorded graveside by Galena VFW Post 2665 and American Legion Post 193.

His family wishes to thank, Mary Koenig, MD, Jenny, and the team at the Medical Associates Cancer Treatment Center, June Stine, Lisa Watson, Amelia Wilson, Pastor Dianne, with Hospice of Dubuque and Furlong Funeral Chapel. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten.

Online condolences may be left for the family at furlongfuneralchapel.com.