David H. Smith

David H. Smith December 2, 1923 - December 8, 2008 David H. Smith, 85, of State College, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born Dec. 2, 1923, in Philipsburg, he was a son of the late Harry T. and Vanetta Hoy Smith. On March 23, 1949, he married Mary V. Zink, who survives. He attended Philipsburg High School. David served in the Army Air Force during World War II, entering service in 1943. He was awarded a Purple Heart. He continued his active duty, earning the rank of Technical Sergeant, and retired in 1963. He then worked for the U.S. Post Office for 23 years, retiring in 1986. He was a life-long Methodist, attending various churches during his military career. He was currently attending Mount Nittany United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Legion and formerly a member of the Pine Grove Mills V.F.W. He was a life member of the Tri-State Chapter of the 34th Infantry Division Association and of the National 34th Infantry Division Association. He enjoyed gardening, especially growing sunflowers. He also enjoyed visiting with friends, seeing the children off on the school bus, walking, and playing military music. Along with his wife, Mary, he is survived by two daughters, Nancy K. Beward and her husband, Arthur, of Airville, and Mary Clouser and her husband, Stanley, of State College; two grandchildren, Kevin Clouser, of Lancaster, and Thomas Clouser, of State College; two sisters, Dorothy Jean Angier, of Brooksville, Fla., and Shirley Sharpless, of Kent, Ohio; and a brother, Rodney Smith, of York. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Howard Woodruff officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-State Chapter of the 34th Infantry Division Association, P.O. Box 1166, Pocasset, MA 02559; Highland Park, 415 Highland Park Rd., Sellersville, PA 18960; or to Mount Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Branch Rd., State College, PA 16801.