Dustin Earl Smith

On the morning of Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, Dustin “Buster” Smith of Caldwell, Texas went to heaven unexpectedly at his home. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, and friend. 

Buster was born on December 21st, 1981, in Bryan, Texas. Growing up in Caldwell, he loved sports, especially football and baseball. He lettered in football and graduated from Caldwell High in 2000. As tough as he was kind-hearted, Buster will be remembered as an excellent hunter, talented cowboy, and the very best friend imaginable. He could play dominos with the best of them, while talking plenty of smack. Buster had a sly, stink-eating grin that showed off his dimples, which he used wisely and often to get out of trouble. His laugh, although sometimes inappropriate, was great. He was always up for practical jokes and anything funny. Buster’s signature look was Wrangler jeans, a white t-shirt with a Wrangler denim pearl snap over, dark sunglasses, and a cowboy hat or cap on top. In honor of him, guests who attend the visitation and service are asked to wear denim. Buster loved Jesus, sunrises, sunsets, and beaches.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Billy and Sammye (McManus) Smith, grandfathers, Earl Humphreys and Walter Englemann, step-grandfather, Jimmie G. Welch, Jr., great-grandmother, Ruby Smith, great-grandmother Mary Elizabeth Smith, and great-grandparents William “Bill” and Virginia (Walsh) Humphreys.

Buster is survived by his parents, Joe Smith and Sherri (Jim) Welch, as well as his sisters, Dawn (Brad) Bowers and Dana (Todd) Kay, and a step-brother, Brandon (Stacey) Welch. He leaves four nieces, Rylee and Allie Bowers as well as Chaney and Charli Ann Kay, step-nephews Brayden and Carson Welch, grandmother, Lou Ann Englemann, step-grandmother Sylvia Welch, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Buster also leaves behind his special friend, Stacy. 

Honorary pallbearers include Justin Supak, Ritchie Hogan, Kevin Smith, Brady McManus, Jeff McManus, Jerry Jack Smith, Matt Zavodny, Tony McCorvey, Jr., Noe Escobedo Bernal, Oscar Minjares Sanchez, Jr., Derek Johnson, and Clinton Roberts.

Buster was one-of-a-kind. No one could make you madder or love you harder. He will forever be dearly loved and greatly missed. His family is immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support through their devastating loss. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Caldwell Youth Baseball Association at PO Box 691, Somerville, Texas 77879.