Former South Bend resident, Daniel D. Smith, 90, of Rochester, passed away at 6:50 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester. In Daniel Smith style, the alignment of the planets graced his pathway to the Heavens.

On March 27, 1934, Daniel Douglas Smith was born in Atwood to Howard and Ruth Pinkerton Smith.  Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother Stanford and a sister Jane.  In 1952 he graduated from South Bend Riley High School with his class. After high school Dan pursued his dream to become a teacher at Manchester College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education.  Further professionalizing himself at Indiana University with a Masters of Science in education.  Dan later earned an additional masters in Earth Science at University of Notre Dame.

On December 20, 1960, Dan and Mary Charlotte Hiatt were married. This followed a courtship that began at Manchester College. They shared nearly 59 years of life's adventures. Sadly, she passed away on May 7, 2019. From their union came two wonderful children, Janneane and Monty.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of his grandchildren.

For 39 years Dan worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation.  Many of those years he specialized in the teaching of astronomy serving as the director of the Planetarium.  Over the years he enjoyed building relationships with his students while coaching basketball and baseball.   He retired in 1994. In addition, Dan was a +20-year member of the Bremen Conservation Club.  Dan is a founding member of the Michiana Astronomical Society.  He also spent many years working with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Arriving in Rochester, Charlotte and Dan were devoted, active members of Community Presbyterian Church.  An avid outdoorsman, Dan enjoyed fishing.  To relax he watched the Cubs and Indiana University Basketball.  He was known for his spirited style of playing euchre.

Dan will be lovingly remembered by a daughter, Janneane Veger (Joseph) of Rochester; son, Monty Smith (Maya) of Santa Barbara, CA; granddaughter, Natalia Emily Smith; grandson, Carl Joseph Veger; and a brother Stanford Jon Smith of Clearwater, FL.

Preceding Daniel in death are his parents, beloved wife Charlotte,  grandson Riley Howard Veger and a sister Jane Stallings.

A celebration of the life of Daniel Douglas Smith will be held at 2:00 PM, March 29, 2025, at Chapel at Peabody Retirement Community. Chaplain J. P. Freeman will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 12:30-2:00 on Saturday at the Peabody Chapel.

Interment will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday March 30 in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.   Pastor John Oerter will officiate the graveside service.  Memorials may be made to Community Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1033, Rochester, IN 46975 or the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023 ,  Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.