Dana Dee Smith

Dana Dee Smith, 67, of Monticello, passed away at 2:06 pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette with his beloved son, Gabriel, and best friend, Beth Crawford, at his bedside. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on Tuesday, November 5, 1957, to Henry Neal and Emma (Gray) Smith. Joining an already large family, he was the oldest of triplets, Wana and Youlana.
Growing up, Dana excelled in sports and graduated from Marion High School in 1976. Straight out of high school, he enlisted in the Navy, followed by 15 years of working as the groundskeeper at Oklahoma University.
Dana came back to Indiana, landing in Lafayette, where he met Beth Crawford. His son, Gabe, came along in 2003 and was the light of Dana's life.
Dana had a year of rigorous chemo and took infant Gabe with him to work so often that the staff got to know him. Dana kept asking God to let him live to see Gabe graduate, and he was given those few extra years.
In Lafayette, Dana continued his love of outdoor work and sports. Along with his brother, Wana, he started coaching his step-son, Asa, in basketball, then Gabe and great-nephews, TaNico and Angel, in youth baseball and football. He also coached for the Special Olympics.
Besides his son, Gabriel "Gabe" Smith of Monticello, and best friend, Beth Crawford, survivors include his brothers, Charlie Smith of Mansfield, OH, Melvin Smith of Marion, Benny (Betty) Smith of Anderson, Ollie Smith of Marion, and Bernard Smith of Mansfield, OH; sisters, Mary (William) Green of Sikeston, MO, Gloria (Andrew) Broomfield of Marion, and Youlana Smith of Marion; step-sons, Curtinas Wallace of Marion, Jake (Jessica) Crowder of Grain Valley, MO, and Asa (Becka) Crowder of Lafayette; step-daughters, Skye Rosebrock of Greenwood and Kayce (Matt) Weaver of Monticello; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews
Preceding Dana in death were his parents; sister, Dorothy Bounds; and brothers, James Smith, Billy Smith, Wana Smith, and Emile Smith.
The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Dana's life will begin at 11:30 am with Pastor Stanford Bolden officiating. Burial will take place at Marion National Cemetery followed by a repass at Allen Temple AME, 3440 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Courage Rock Stable (equine therapy for the disabled) online at couragerock.rocks or by mail to 5622 N. East Shafer Dr., Monticello, IN 47960.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.