David Lawrence Smith Obituary (2025)

Our beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Husband, and Uncle, David Lawrence Smith, passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2025, in the presence of his bride, Carol, of 61 years in Yakima, WA. Dave was born in 1932 in Enumclaw, WA, to Harold and Dorothy Smith. He was the youngest of his three siblings, Ralph, Lois, and Marguerite. He graduated from Kent Meridian H.S. in 1950. He attended Eastern Washington University and graduated in 1958 with a BA in Business Education. In his 93 years, Dave wore many hats. He wore a military hat while serving in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1954. Dave was stationed in Japan during the Korean War, where he received four medals. Dave wore the hat of an educator, teaching High School Business classes in the Kent School District, where he worked for 26 years. He invested a significant amount of his spare time in continuing his education and sharing his knowledge by teaching evening classes at local colleges. He loved his numbers, and even after retirement, he continued to teach at local Yakima colleges, as he enjoyed mentoring and teaching. Yet, he was more than a career educator. All his hats rested on the head of a stable, honest, God-fearing man, devoted to Christ, his wife, and family. His stability was partly a result of his dedication to his wife, Carol. They do have their own love story. They met while teaching at Kent Meridian H.S. He was a colleague, friend, and companion who stayed by her side for all their years in Kent, Packwood, and Yakima. She was truly the love of his life. He was dedicated to his church through volunteer activities in Marriage Encounter, Family Encounter, and Engaged Encounter. He was a father and provider in difficult times and was able to mend and strengthen relationships. He wore the hat of hunter and fisherman, and he bought a lot of boats! Both for sailing and cruising, spending summers on the Puget Sound. He also wore the hat of a carpenter. He loved creating and building things. He built the family cabin in Packwood as a summer project that his extended family loved for generations, taking advantage of local skiing at White Pass and hiking around Mt. Rainier (he was a skilled skier). Dave loved dogs! He always had a dog in his lap or at his feet waiting for food to fall conveniently. He loved watching sports. He wore the hat of his favorite Seattle sports teams. Huskies, Seahawks, Mariners, Gonzaga basketball, and yes, the Cougars when they weren't playing UW. (We all wish he were here to enjoy the Mariners' historic run!). But of all the Hats Dave wore, he enjoyed his Papa hat the most. The Papa hat is the largest and farthest reaching. He is Papa to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The memories of his stories and jokes at family gatherings, coupled with his infectious smile and laugh, will always fill our hearts. He had a knack for timing and delivery. His sense of humor and ability to laugh at himself provided a sense of calm. Through our sadness, we are left with the memory of his ability to make us smile. We will all miss you. Rest in peace, Papa. You have fought the good fight and run a great race! Dave is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Ralph, Lois, and Marguerite. As well as his oldest son, Rick Smith, and son-in-law, Jack Anderson. Dave is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Jeff Smith (Donna), Gloria Gaines Anderson, Bill Gaines (Lynne), Kathleen Maiocco (Mark), and Patrick Smith (Keri); as well as his 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and four nieces. A Viewing will be held on Monday, Oct. 27th from 3-6pm at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 28th at 10am at St. Paul's Cathedral. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at shawandsons.com.