Delmar Dean Smith, 86 of Davenport, IA (formerly of Aledo, IL), passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Trinity Unitypoint, Bettendorf, IA. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge, IA. Family will greet friends on Saturday from 9 a.m. to service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to The Nature Conservancy. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
Del was born on December 4, 1937, in Lexington, IL, the son of Pollen and Julia (Myers) Smith. He married Margaret Kelley in January of 1958 in Anchor, IL, and later divorced. They had four children.
Del was a schoolteacher and coach who transitioned to a full-time Painting Contractor. He owned Smith Painting in Davenport. He wrapped up his final paint job in November of 2023 at the age of 85. He was a member of the Center for Active Seniors. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, sports, reading, studying health and nutrition, keeping busy, and competing in the Senior Olympics.
He attended Illinois State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, and later a Master’s Degree in Counseling. He also attended Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX, where he received two degrees in Theology and became an ordained minister.
Survivors include his children, Marty (Doris) Smith of Burnsville, MN, Lou Ann (Rick) Johnson of Orion, IL, Debi (Mark) Stewart of Gilbert, AZ, and Mary (Jeff) Rivers of Apache Junction, AZ; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Jane) Smith of Oroville, CA, and Garry Smith of Bloomington, IL; and sister, Jean (Edward) Snodgrass of Pittsburgh, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Dale Smith.