David L. Smith

SMITH, David Lewis, age 95, of Oakwood, passed away on May 22, 2016 at home. Born in 1921 in Dayton, David was the son of Jack and Bessie Lewis Smith. He graduated from Oakwood High School in 1939 and received the Oakwood Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. He entered Miami University, but served three years in the army in the Pacific during WW II, before graduating with a BFA from Miami University in 1947. He received his MFA from the University of Iowa in 1950. David was a talented and dedicated artist and some of his works have been compiled into two books, "Sgt. Smith's Sketchbook" and "Gem City through an Artist's Eye". Dave's true talent, however, was in his ability to make friends and inspire others. When he spoke of people he often preceded their names with "my good friend." And there were many 'good friends'. Among those friends were his former students. He taught art at Fairmont West, retiring in 1983. In retirement he taught painting and drawing at the University of Dayton, the Dayton Art Institute, the River Bend Art Center and his winter home in Florida. David was president of the Western Ohio Watercolor Society, Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, a member of the Miami Valley Arts Council, and, with his wife, Kay, an establishing member of the 48 High Street Art Gallery where he was active until just months before his death. David's watercolors are much sought after and exhibited in numerous art galleries and business establishments. He is especially known for his sketches, drawings and watercolors that capture Dayton architecture and the surrounding Dayton landscape. David was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Kay. He is survived by an extended family of cousins and those "good friends" of whom he spoke so often. All of us are better for having known Dave and having experienced his joy and his enthusiasm for life and his generous soul. Family will greet friends from 5:00-8:00pm on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 East Stroop Road, Kettering. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30pm on Friday, May 27, 2016 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 3033 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts should be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420, the Carillon Park/Dayton History Association, 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, OH 45409, or to a charitable organization of choice.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429