David was born on June 5, 1943, in Wichita, to his parents Richard and Ernestine (Kuhns) Smith.
He graduated from Goddard High school in 1961 and went on to attend both Friends University and Kansas State University, eventually becoming the first class from Kansas State University to earn a degree in Restaurant and Institutional Management. David met Effie at Kansas State University when she became his sister’s roommate. David was united in marriage to Effie Breeden on December 30, 1967, in Studley. David managed the food service for hospitals in several states including, Illinois, Iowa, and Colorado. Along the way, his career also included farming, truck driving, and even owning his own restaurant, “Dave’s Restaurant”, in Larned. After his retirement from Larned State Hospital David and Effie moved to Marion, KS.
When David wasn’t hard at work, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and singing. He was part of a Barber Shop Quartet and sang with The Singing Quakers form Friends University while he was in college. David passed along his love of singing and cooking to his children. He was known for his Pancakes, Gravy and Potato Salad. He also made wedding cakes for many in his family including his own. David was also a strong member of the Strassburg Baptist Church family.
David is survived by his wife, Effie Smith, of Marion; children, Richard (Echo) Smith, Marion; Kristen (Ron) Jackson, St. George; and Amber (Aaron) Jackson, Dodge City; grandchildren, Brandon Smith, Charlotte Smith, Jeremy Smith, David Smith, Jacob Smith, De Smith, DJ Smith, Gabriel Johnson, Drew Johnson, and Luke Johnson, great grandchild, Mason Smith, brother Ronald (Betty) Smith, Monetta, VA, sister, Diane Cummings, Oklahoma City, OK; and many nieces and nephews. David is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Ernestine Smith.
David, at the age of 78, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at his home in Marion. Family will greet friends on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Yazel – Megli Funeral Home, Marion. A Celebration of Life for David will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Strassburg Baptist Church, Marion.