David L. Smith

David L.”Cookie” Smith, 76, passed away Friday, December 17, 2021.

Dave was born July 21, 1945, in Portland, IN to the late Herman E. and Ethel Belle (Miller) Smith. He grew up in Waynedale, IN. In 1991 he married the love of his life, Brenda (Hampshire), and moved to Union City, IN. In 2016 he and Brenda moved to Union City, OH and Dave became a Buckeye! We don’t really think he ever willingly accepted that title.

Dave was a truck driver for 38 years and retired from Overnite Transportation in 2005. Then he could get to the things he really loved hunting, fishing, cooking way too much food for his family and friends, playing cards and spending as much time as he could with his beautiful wife. Dave was a lot of things, loving, caring, stubborn, hard working, stubborn (you get the picture!) and so much more. He will miss seeing his great-grandchildren, Ryder David and Emma Belle, grow up to be the incredible people they are meant to be. He was the best Husband, Dad, Gramps, Pa and friend that a family could ask for.

He was a member of the Union City Church of the Brethren. He was a very active member. He was instrumental in beginning the Community Meals in town that were held at the EUM church. This was a huge ministry for him. He wanted to meet not only the physical needs of people but the spiritual needs as well. He will never know how many lives he touched. He always had a smile, hug and a handshake for everyone. If you needed help he was always one of the first to offer assistance.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 30 years, Brenda, daughter, Jennifer Lenker of Columbus, Ohio, son, Don & Sheri Smith of Columbia City, IN, grandchildren, Ryan & Miranda Smith and great-grandchildren, Ryder David & Emma Belle Smith of Roanoke, IN, sister Marjorie & Warren Lopshire of Columbia City, IN, father & mother-in-law, Norm & Gloria Hampshire, brothers and sisters-in –laws, Rich & Linda Hampshire, Union City, OH, John Hampshire of Cannon, KY, Jack & Lynn Hampshire of West Alexandria, OH, nieces and nephews, Jim Hampshire, Jackie & Grant Stuller and family, Bobby & Kelly Hampshire and family, Kyle & Loretta Hampshire and family, Keith Lopshire and Shane Lopshire.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sons.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at a later date.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to:
The Church of the Brethren
118 E. Lower Street
Union City, OH 45390

Memories may be shared online at www.reichardfh.co