David "Dave" Smith

David Smith, 69, of Warren, PA., died peacefully Thursday morning, October 2, 2025, at Warren General Hospital, Warren, PA., after an extended illness. David was born March 6, 1956, in Corry, PA. He was the son of Gerald R. and Maxine J. Mathews Smith. David was a solitary man with few close friends. He worked at Betts Industries as a welder for 40 years and was very fond of Dick Betts. Dave never had children of his own. He had a special bond with Michelle's son, Tom (TC). He would take him fishing and hunting squirrels, where Tom shot his first gun. There was also the Kite incident, bike incident and rocket incident. Michelle and David became custodians of her grandson, Jackson, when he was 3 years old and Davvid was his major role model. Jackson and David became very close, and David looked at Jackson as a son. He took care of Jackson when he was young and David grew increasingly more disabled over the years, Jackson, in turn, took care of "Papa." He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Michelle Hoover, whom he married September 6, 2008, at the Interfaith Chapel at the Warren State Hospital, North Warren, PA. 3 Stepchildren – Christian Kelly and husband, Ryan of Cranberry Township, PA., Angela Miller of Sheffield, PA., Thomas Buchleitner IV and wife, Patricia of Erie, PA., 1 Brother – William Smith of Jamestown, N.Y., 1 Sister – Debbie Arne Keister of Minnesota, Step Grandchildren – Jackson Shaw, Ava Curry, Alaina Kelly, Thomas Buchleitner, V., 1 Great Granddaughter – Mavis Shaw.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather – Charles Mathew and step grandmother who was very special to David, Susie Mathews.

Dave required a lot of care as time went on and he had wonderful girls from CRI come to the house and help with his care. He objected at first because he "didn't want any strangers coming into his house!" but when they started coming, he decided he really liked having them there during the day to talk and tell his stories to. A big thank you to all the CRI girls that came and helped make Dave's life a little brighter with special thanks to Yvonne, Carol, Chelsea and Michelle. He looked forward to you girls showing up! Michelle's daughter, Angela, also cared for Dave for a while prior to him being admitted to the Rouse Home. Michelle wants to thank the nurses and attendants at the Rouse for their care of David. For the last couple of years. She knows he could be a handful, but he got to like it there and appreciated all the care you gave him, and so does Michelle. She also wants to thank the doctors and nurses at Warren General Hospital for taking care of him in his last days. He was in and out of many hospitals in the last 15 years, but of. all the hospitals he was in Warren General Hospital was where he would rather be.

Your pain is now gone and you can be comfortable again, RIP David R. Smith, until we meet again.

A private celebration of David's life will be held at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to send e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.