Douglas "Smitty" James Smith

Douglas J. Smith, age 64 of Marshalltown, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025 at the Iowa River Hospice House.

Douglas James Smith was born on July 25, 1961 in Marshalltown, the son of James E. Smith and Shirley Ann Wilkening. Doug grew up in Albion and attended Marshalltown Public Schools.

On March 5, 1981, Doug was united in marriage with Rebecca “Becky” Renee Foster in Marshall County. They were blessed with 3 children: Micheal Douglas, Matthew Wade and Michelle Diane. The couple later divorced.

Doug and his children were welcomed into Pat Willey’s life with open arms. Doug and Pat were together for nearly 20 years.

Doug worked at Swift & Company, now JBS, as maintenance for several years. He later worked for Critchfield’s Auto Salvage in Marshalltown and most recently, Mick’s Automotive Service in LeGrand.

Doug was always drawn to cars and racing. He raced stock cars, the number 49 and later number 3 after his favorite NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr. He raced at various tracks across the Midwest with his home track being Marshalltown Speedway. After he stopped racing, he helped with track prep at Marshalltown and Boone Speedways. Doug later got his kids into go-kart racing and was tickled when his son, Micheal, got his first hobby stock in the early 2000’s. Doug didn’t make it to the track often in recent years, but he watched and cheered on Micheal, Jay and Tim via streaming services. Doug was a HUGE Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan; He had quite the collection of Earnhardt memorabilia! Doug also enjoyed bowling in leagues at Totem Bowl for several years.

He had a gruff and tough exterior, and sure was a stubborn man, but he had a big heart and loved his family and friends.

Doug had health complications starting in 2018, which led to him moving to Toledo to be closer to family. In 2020, Doug needed rehabilitation and physical therapy so he moved into Southridge Specialty Care.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Smith and Shirley (Wilkening) DeFrance; his infant son, Matthew Wade Smith; and the mother of his children, Becky Smith. He is survived by his children, Micheal Smith (Brandi) of Marshalltown and Michelle (Jay) Schmidt of Tama; grandchildren, MacKenze (Tim), Kyler, Logan, Rilea, Jayda, Aliya, Amiya, Tucker, Emytt, Breckyn, Madison. He is also survived by his step-mom, Janet Smith; siblings, Tammie French, Greg DeFrance and Jeanette Smith; and extended family members.

Friends and family are welcome to come celebrate Smitty’s life from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Please wear racing attire or dress casual. Memorial donations may be directed to the family for later designation.

Doug’s family is grateful for the care and kindness from UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Emergency Room and the Iowa River Hospice House in his last days.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Doug and his family at this time. To leave online condolences, please visit, www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.