Obituary of David E. Smith

David E. Smith, 61 of Girard,IL. passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. David was born July 7, 1961, in Taylorville, IL, a son of Mitchell E. and Mary Ann Pitchford Smith. David graduated from Girard High School with the class of 1979. He married Lori Kemp, July 25, 1981 in Girard, IL at the Oak Leaf Country Club. David was the Refrigeration Branch manager and project engineer for Statco-DSI where he worked for 25 years. His work ethic and effectiveness was unparalleled. Outside of his profession he was even more impactful. David was exceedingly kind and generous, and would drop anything to give someone a hand. David loved coaching youth football and loved all his players like they were his kids. His passion and enthusiasm was contagious. David loved golfing with his sons every chance he got. David loved his wife of 41 years from the moment he met her. He always remained close with all of his siblings and would see them as much as possible. David was the greatest father, grandfather and loved his family intensely. David would help his sons with any house project they had often neglecting his own projects in the process. He loved his grandchildren so fiercely you feared he might pop them every time he hugged them. David was preceded in death by his father, brother, Daniel, grandparents, Roscoe and Gladys Pitchford, and grandmother, Ruby Foster. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Girard Community Center on the south side of the town square. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the First Christian Church in Girard, IL with Rich McElfresh and Shawn Burgess presiding. Burial will follow in Girard Cemetery, Girard, IL. David is survived by his wife, Lori of Girard, IL, mother, Mary Ann Smith of Girard, Illinois, son, Tyler D. (Megan) Smith of Virden, IL, son, Derek A. (Chelsey) Smith of Williamsville, IL, grandchildren: Kye David, Kendrek, Azlyn, and Tevin, sister, Diana (Brett) Brown of Girard, IL, brother, Randy (Colean) Smith of Girard, IL, sister, Dawn (Eric) Webb of Raymond, IL, sister, Danielle (Kyle) Marshall of Farmersville, IL, and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to North-Mac JFL in his memory. Please visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Girard is assisting with arrangements.