David H. Smith
July 23, 1948 – December 27, 2020
David Harrison Smith, 72, of Omaha, Nebraska, died Sunday December 27, 2020, following a battle with colon cancer.
Born July 23, 1948, in Indianapolis, Indiana, he was the son of Wallace Smith and Naomi McCune Smith.
David graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan with the class of 1966. He then served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War earning the rank of SP5.
David, CB handle “Gigolo”, was a life-long cross-country truck driver, following his father’s footsteps. He was a proud “Pawpaw” having his grandchildren’s names on his truck – they were always along for the ride. David was last employed with Quandt Transport Services in Omaha, Nebraska. “Mr. Smith” loved his truck and the road. David was a part of the Special Olympics Truck Convoy. He volunteered with the Missouri and Nebraska Special Olympic organizations. David “NOUEG” was a life-long Ham Radio Operator. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. As an American Patriot, David stood for the Constitution and carried a pocket version always. Against his daughter and grandchildren’s better judgement he was a Nebraska Cornhusker and St. Louis Cardinal fan. As a born Hoosier David never missed an Indy 500 race. He loved to camp, hunt, and fish.
Survivors include daughter, Darlene “Bit of Honey” Ayres (Chris) of Rockville, Indiana; four grandchildren: Patrick Dighton (Chelsea) of Clay City, Indiana, Sarah Keilers (Cameron) of Midwest City, Oklahoma, Rebekah Ayres, Warren Ayres; five great-grandchildren: Carlynn, Brantley, Coraleigh, Lucas, and Sebastian; sister, Alice Bates of Kingman, Arizona; nieces, Jillian Scruggs and Sara Gray of California; brother, Jack McCune (Melanie); nephews, Jacob and Brandon of Shreveport, Louisiana; second family for over 50 years, the Stratman’s – parents Sonny Stratman (Florence); brothers, Dave Stratman and family, Joe Stratman (Karen) and family; sister, Karen Forster (Dan) and family.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday July 23, 2021, at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd., Omaha, NE.
In memory of David, as he taught his grandchildren – honor a Veteran that served and sacrificed for our country – tell them thank you for their service and buy their meal in honor of David or if you see a trucker thank them and buy their meal in honor of “Mr. Smith”.
2 Comments
Prayers and Condolences! Keep trucking in heaven, Almighty God needs You! Thank you!
This is a real American hero, your ride is over, rest easy my friend, we’ll take the load on from here, Roadmaster
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