David Lawrence Smith

David Lawrence Smith, age 71, of Fort Wayne, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family. Dave was born on October 4, 1950, in Toledo, Ohio, to Merl and Margaret (Roberts) Smith. David married Gladys Ann Miller, his wife of 43 years, on June 30, 1978. She survives. He graduated from Sylvania High School, Sylvania, Ohio, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Design at Ashland College. David went on to sell insurance for Indianapolis Life and Sentry Insurance for 14 years before declaring for disability due to serious health issues. Dave attended Toledo Calvary Assembly of God and after moving to Fort Wayne occasionally attended First Assembly of God, although declining health made that difficult. He had a unique talent for playing the piano, and could often be found filling the house with beautiful music. He was even given the opportunity to performed regularly at the Anchor Room. He loved history, especially WW2 content. As a young adult he had the opportunity to travel to England, and his interest only grew from there. He went on to gather an impressive collection of documentaries, books, replica tanks and planes. In his later years that passion turned towards trains. He’d spend countless hours with his great friend, Bill, talking about, repairing, and of course purchasing replica trains. Dave will be deeply missed by his wife, Gladys, as well as his children, Jennifer (Tom) Broyles, Matthew (Kristin) Smith, Stephanie Vazquez Smith and grandchildren Callie, Israel, Ian, Noah, Mikayla, Brielle, Christopher, Kathryn, Savannah, and his sister, Gretchen Smith. Dave was preceded in death by both of his parents. A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, March 28, 2022, at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, with calling from 11am, until time of service. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorial donations in his honor may be directed to Humane Fort Wayne. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Dave's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com