David LaMar Smith

David LaMar "Dave" Smith, beloved husband and father, departed this life and entered Eternal Life with our Lord on November 16, 2025 at the age of 95.

He was born June 9, 1930 in Cincinnati, OH to parents Albert Ray and Martha Verona (Kreider) Smith, joining two older siblings, Kenneth L. and Marcia L. Smith in the family. His earliest childhood years were spent in Cincinnati, OH, and attended Immanuel Baptist Church where his father was Pastor. In 1942 he moved to Aspen, CO, and in following years, Grand Junction, CO and Denver, CO. David graduated in 1948 from South High School in Denver, CO and though he was offered a full scholarship to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, he chose to attend Baptist affiliated Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS, majoring in Physics, Chemistry and Math. He was a member of Delta Phi Delta, University Traveling Choir and was Chief Engineer for the college radio station KTJO.

In the Fall of 1950 David met the love of his life, Marilyn G Tryon, dated, and proposed on April 3, 1951, being careful to avoid proposing on April Fool's Day! David graduated from Ottawa University, Ottawa, KS, in June 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. On June 8, 1952 David and Marilyn were married by David's father in Marilyn's hometown of Galesburg, IL. One week later, David started his career with Phillips Petroleum Company in Borger, TX as a Chemist at Plains Butadiene Plant, advancing to Engineer and Electronics Specialist. In 1953 their first son, Mark Preston was born, followed by son, Matthew Randall in 1955 and daughter, Jennifer Lynn in 1956, completing the Smith family.

David enjoyed construction, remodeling, cement work, extensive gardening, as well as photography, joining a local Camera Club. By nature and nurture, David was literally a jack-of-all trades, mastering everything he did with utmost precision and skill. At First Presbyterian Church in Borger, David taught Sunday School and classes for teachers, sang in Sanctuary Choir and served on the Session. He was also a member of the Community Chorus, using his beautiful bass voice! In 1961 David was promoted and moved February 1962 to Old Ocean, TX where he accepted a position at Phillips Petroleum Company Sweeny Refinery as Process Control Engineer, where he digitized and upgraded systems at the Refinery, as well as taught basic online courses in Math and Electronics to employees.

David and family joined Sweeny First Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school, sang in Sanctuary Choir, served on and chaired various boards and committees over the next 10 years. He continued to enjoy photography, developing his own film in his home darkroom, gardening, attending their children's sports, concerts, church and school events, as well as buying and fixing up multiple used cars.

In August 1972, David was promoted and moved to Bartlesville, OK, accepting the position of Director of Customer Service with Applied Automation, Inc. a subsidiary of Phillips Petroleum Company, followed by another promotion to Manager of Project Engineering where he computerized control systems for refineries and chemical plants. In a few years, David accepted another promotion to Vice President of Applied Automation and Director of Research.

After a period of downsizing and restructuring at Phillips Petroleum Company in 1984, David accepted a new position in Instrument and Electrical Engineering within the Design Engineering Department, rejoining the parent company of Phillips Petroleum. On October 1, 1985, David took early retirement from Phillips Petroleum Company after 33 faithful and productive years of service. While in Bartlesville, David continued to enjoy remodeling homes, building several clocks, buying and fixing used cars, serving and chairing multiple boards and committees at First United Methodist Church, sang in Sanctuary Choir and was a member of Bartlesville Community Choir.

In August 1986 David and Marilyn moved to Galesburg, IL for the next chapter of their lives. Over the next 24 years, David lived in and remodeled 4 large historic homes, handcrafting stained glass windows for several homes and was recognize and awarded the coveted Paver Award by the Galesburg Historical Society for his extensive and skillful renovations. He hosted many Open House and House Tours for the public, built several clocks, and continued to enjoy gardening and model trains.

He was an active member at First United Methodist Church Galesburg, sang in Sanctuary Choir, served on and chaired multiple committees, taught several Disciple Bible Study Courses, including a class for local Pastors and taught Sunday School. He was a member of Rotary Club serving as Song Leader, Chairman of the Travelogue and other various duties. David was also a member of the very popular Men's Quartet, The Him Singers and was invited to many churches and venues in the area for programs. David served on The Nova Singers Board, the organizing board for the Nova Singers, a regional, semi-professional singing group.

In May of 2010, David and Marilyn moved back to Bartlesville, OK to be closer to their adult children, rejoining First United Methodist Church, served on Trustees and attended Asbury Sunday School Class. In later years he served on Residence Council at Green Country Village Independent Living Center.

David was preceded in death by their son Mark Smith in 2016 and is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 73 years, Marilyn, son Matthew Smith, daughter Jenny Rettig (Chuck), all of Bartlesville, OK, as well as multiple grand/great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. "Well done good and faithful servant of the Lord!"

The family requests a private family service. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home and Crematory Walker-Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com