David Jonathan Smelser

1951 - 2023

FRIENDSWOOD - David Jonathan Smelser, 71, a long time resident of Odessa, TX, passed away on June 17, 2023 in Friendswood, TX at home with family. He was born to Rev. Marjorie and Howard Smelser on September 17, 1951 in Magnolia, AR. David and his family moved to Odessa in 1958 and started a church. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1970 then received his Bachelor of Arts from Sul Ross University in 1973. Soon after beginning his career as an industrial arts teacher in Odessa, David married his wife Brenda in 1976. He taught at Odessa High School for over 30 years. During his time in Odessa he was a dedicated husband to Brenda and father to his two children, Jason and Starla. Throughout his time in Odessa, David was an integral member at Life Challenge Church, where he served in the pastoring family in various ministries, including music. He was an accomplished gospel saxophone player who enjoyed sharing his gift of music with many. He was known as a kind gentle soul but a man of many talents and passionate about whatever he set his mind to do. He often used humor and wit to convey his message to others. Despite some adversity in his life, the words "I can't" were not in his vocabulary. His hobbies were too many to list, but many in Odessa knew him for his cooking and custom smoked barbecue. He loved giving and hosting others and was a role model and teacher to many high school students over the years. After retiring, David and his wife moved to Friendswood, TX to be close to daughter and son in law. He made many friends in Houston and embraced those close to him in the retirement community of Bedford Estates where he lived until his passing.

David is survived by wife, Brenda Smelser; son and daughter in law, Jason and Yessi Smelser; daughter and son in law, Starla and Monte Twentier, granddaughters, Kiera and Kenzie Twentier, mother, Marjorie Smelser; brother and sister in law, Dan and Lora Smelser, and nephews and nieces, Daniel, Devin, and Destiny Smelser, and Elizabeth and JJ Sigala. Also survived by loving family members from wife, Brenda's side: mother Sue Olgin Smith, and brother and sister in laws, Tim and Anita Tucker, Nelda Gunalda, Lisa Devokaitis, and Carol Eakin Lopez.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Life Challenge Church, 4500 N Grandview Ave, Odessa, TX 79762. David will be missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on through the legacy he left as a kind and gentle spirit, and talented musician and teacher.