David Lee Smith, 76 of Sheridan, WY, passed away at Sheridan Memorial Hospital on April 10, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer.

Dave was born in Sheridan, WY on November 11, 1948 to Walter and Evelyn Smith. He graduated from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1967. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from Rapid City College of Business and then enlisted in the Air Force to work in communications right before he was served a draft order for the Vietnam War. While stationed at Malstrom Air Force Base in Great Fall, MT, Dave met the love of his life and married Charlette (Harris) Smith on January 21, 1971. Before long the family grew to four children: Cathy, Mike, Kim, and Patty.

Dave worked extra hard to provide for his wife and family. After an early retirement from the Air Force, Dave moved his family to Sheridan, where he worked as the Custodial Supervisor at Sheridan College for 27 years. Simultaneously, he did janitorial work at various locations in Sheridan, including the Rendezvous Lounge, Columbus Building, Holy Name School and the Thrift Store. Upon retirement from the college, he worked at the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, an experience that he thoroughly enjoyed, especially working with the dogs and the veterinarian.

Dave loved living in Sheridan where he camped and fished in the Big Horn Mountains as often as possible and found his relaxation at hunting camp every September. He shared these passions with his children and his 10 grandchildren. Dave was a great storyteller, where he shared many funny stories from his childhood and hunting camps. He also loved to cook, especially after retirement, where he would prepare many holiday meals for family and friends to enjoy. Dave was generous with his time to help others, especially his kids and grand kids. He was also an avid Denver Broncos fan who remained optimistic that each new season would be better than the last. One of the greatest passions of Dave was spending time with and taking care of Charlette and his dogs.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother Robert (Bob) Smith, and his granddaughter Nabila Maazouz.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Charlette, his younger sister Sharon Johnson, his four children, 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, and his godmother and close family friend Cel Hope. Dave had numerous friends, including Donna Fake, the Killy’s crew, and so many others.

A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday April 15, 2025 at 10:00 am at Holy Name Catholic

Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter.

If you are unable to attend the service please follow the link to view the live-stream.

https://boxcast.tv/view/memorial-mass-for-david-lee-smith-pnmwhzxpowqctjfrrc27

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