Richard D. Smith

Richard Dean Smith, 81, passed away on June 26, 2024. Funeral services will be held on 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 - 19th Street, West Des Moines with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at McLaren’s. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.

Richard was born on June 2, 1943 to Harry Keller and Frances Jo Smith. He grew up in Johnston where he lived in the home that his parents built and later lived in until the time of his passing.

Richard married Darlene Wolvers on July 2, 1966. They lived in Urbandale and raised two daughters, Jill and Heather. He was a construction/refinishing contractor by trade and a proud member of #106 Local Carpenters Union. He was also a master mechanic and could be found tinkering in his garage. He had a passion for old cars and attended various car shows on weekends. Richard refurbished a 1964 Ford Galaxy 500 convertible for his beloved wife, Darlene. On Sunday’s he would load the family up and go for a drive. He later purchased and restored a 1955 Ford F150. During the summer, the family would spend weekends camping in their trailer parked at Cutty’s Campground or visiting campsites around Iowa with their Jayco Family.

In 1992, Darlene passed from breast cancer. He would later reconnect with a childhood friend, Judy, whom he would later marry in 1994. During the next 30 years, his family grew to welcome two step daughters and four grandchildren.

Rich and Judy enjoyed camping in their RV with several of their high school friends. Rumor on the street is that Rich made a good breakfast. They enjoyed going to Porky’s and Hardees to show off Rich’s red truck. Where he was known to burn rubber upon leaving.

Rich loved to be in his garage just tinkering around. He never gave up his love of old cars, car-shows and woodworking.

Richard leaves behind his loving wife, Judy Smith; daughters, Jill (Jon) Christy, Heather (Dave) Stewart; step-daughters, Dawn (John) Goaley, Stacey Kelling; and grandchildren, Jordan, Elizabeth (Alex), Lauren, Megan and Kelsey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Jo Smith; sister, Janine Fish; and wife, Darlene Smith.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Carpenters Local Union 106, 1555 1st Ave. N, Altoona, IA. Please note that the gift is in honor of Richard Smith for the Apprentice Program. He was a member for 50 years and a former Apprentice Instructor.