Edward Delmer Smith

1932 - 2024

Del Smith, age 91, passed away peacefully from natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, California on April 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Willinese Phillips Smith. Survived by his two sisters, Donna Yaw and Dr. Dena Smith; four daughters, Joanna French (Michael), Leslie Gardner (Gordon), Dena Bogrow, and Jennefer Smith; nine grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Del was born on May 12, 1932 in Inglewood, California to Helen S. and Edward W. Smith. After graduating from Pomona College, Del was appointed Executive Secretary of the Young Republicans in 1956. He also served as a presidential advance man for President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon. In 1964, Del moved to Washington, DC and in 1969, started his own government relations firm. By 2005 he had become the longest serving federal advocate and senior lobbyist in the Nation's Capital. Del and Willi raised their daughters on Faerylonde Farm in Middleburg, Virginia before moving to Georgetown in 1988. Del retired in 2013 back to California. He was passionate about many things, including the United States Constitution, sailing his Hinkley yacht "First Light", golfing, playing the piano, camping, and a blood rare steak.
Burial service will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California.