David Smith Obituary

David W
Smith
January 26, 1933
July 7, 2023

David Wayne Smith formerly of Frederick MD, now residing in Colorado Springs CO passed away on July 7, 2023 leaving behind his loving wife Nancy, daughter Kimberly Madden (James), granddaughter Ashley Szatmary (Kevin), great grandson Orren Szatmary, and step children, Mark, Brad, & Sarah, Jared, & step grandsons, Asher & Dylan.
He was born at the Frederick City Hospital and grew up in Plane #4 until the family moved to Frederick. A 1950 graduate of Frederick High School he went on to the University of Maryland earning a BS in Chemistry and Bacteriology. In college he served as Vice President and President of Phi Kappa Tau, was a member of the Gate & Key Society and was Sargent At Arms for the Senior Class. He elected to take ROTC training for four years and immediately following the graduation ceremony was sworn in as a USAF Second Lieutenant.
Lt. Colonel Smith served as a fighter pilot with the USAF for 30 years. He was a decorated Vietnam war veteran receiving 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Air Medals, the Bronze Star and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He flew 180 combat missions in 1967 and 1968 including 100 over North Vietnam. Lt. Colonel Smith was later stationed at the Pentagon, in Korea, and finished his military career at the US Air Force Academy.
An avid outdoorsman, David (Wayne to his Maryland family and friends) enjoyed outdoor activities. He fished the Potomac river from its starting point in Pennsylvania for roughly 110 miles to the Chesapeake Bay. For many years he joined a group of 9 Colorado hunters that hunted various game animals from early spring to early winter. His camping preparations were legendary, hard-boiling dozens of eggs and frying copious amounts of bacon to provision the trip. He was a lifelong collector of antique firearms, and after retiring attended shows in support of his hobby from coast to coast.
He will be buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors near his beloved predeceased grandson Grant Madden. In lieu of flowers please send donations to support our disabled veterans.
https://www.dav.org/