David L. Smith

David "Dave" L. Smith, 78, of Erie, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Visitation will be Thursday, March 26th at Michael Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, Michigan from 3-8pm. The memorial service will be Friday, March 27th at Bedford Alliance Church, 8645 Jackman Rd, Temperance, MI at 11am.

David was born on April 13, 1947, in Monroe, Michigan, he was the son of Marvin and Betty (Farner) Smith. Dave was a 1965 graduate of Erie Mason High School. He then earned his Bachelor of Science in Ag Economics in 1969 and Master of Business Administration in 1971, both from Michigan State University.

Dave married Susan M. Lamoureaux on September 7, 1968. After graduating from Michigan State, Dave and Sue moved to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1973 where Dave worked as a loan officer for Farm Credit Bank for Cooperatives. After 10 years in St. Paul (1973-1983), Dave and Sue moved their family back to Erie where Dave joined the partnership of Smith Brothers Farm. He farmed with his cousins Andy Smith and Mark Smith from 1983 until 1998. During that time, Dave was a founding member of Potato Growers of Michigan, the legislative arm of the Michigan Potato Industry. He also served on the board of the Michigan Vegetable Council and the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, a Governor appointed position. In 1998 Dave retired from farming to become Executive Director of the Michigan Vegetable Council until 2018. Dave helped organize and run the Michigan Fruit and Vegetable Expo, where his leadership and footprints are all around the annual EXPO. In addition to his professional work, Dave served in the Army National Guard from 1969-1977.

Dave was a lifelong and active member of Erie United Methodist Church. His faith in Jesus grew over the years and he enjoyed hosting a weekly prayer meeting and Bible study with Sue at their home.

Dave's greatest joys were closest to home. He supported his children and grandchildren by attending (or watching virtually) their sports, dance or musical performances. He also loved watching sports and remained a devoted Spartan fan, attending games and always cheering for Michigan State.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Susan. Children, Kim (Christopher) Valerio, Eric (Sara) Smith, and Kevin Smith; sisters, Barb (Mike) Keedy, Christine Smith, and Julie (John) Waller; grandchildren, Ella, Andrew, Adam, Alden, Liam, Evie, Della, and Sam. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Sue's parents, his sister and brother-in-law, and a granddaughter Elsie.

Donations can be made in Dave's memory to: Erie United Methodist Church Memorial Fund Please send a check to: Erie UMC, 1100 East Samaria Road, Erie, MI, 48133

Memo line: Memorial Fund, Dave Smith

Michigan Vegetable Council Fund: Supporting vegetable crop research and grower education Give online to this fund at the Fremont Area Community Foundation; Search existing tributes, "In memory of David L Smith"

https://tfacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1526