David Allen Smith, 88, of Rochester passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne.

On November 11, 1935, David Allen was born in Milford, to Donald Dean and Bertha Cox Smith.  Growing up he shared his childhood with seven sisters. David developed a passion for agriculture as he helped his Dad on the farm during his formative years.  In 1953 he graduated with his class from Culver Community High School.

After graduation patriotism beckoned and David answered the call serving with the United States Army.  His service stint included time in Japan. Specialist 4 David A Smith was honorably discharged on March 31, 1962.

David met the love of his life, Marcia Ann Dawson, at the local roller rink where they both shared a passion for skating. Their love story blossomed, and they married on June 23, 1954, beginning 70 years of life's adventures together.  From their union came three wonderful children:  Ed, Tonia and Ken. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.

David was a farmer by profession, cultivating soybeans and corn, while also raising livestock. He had a deep love for restoring tractors, successfully restoring numerous Allis Chalmers, Oliver, John Deere, and Minneapolis Moline tractors over the years. David and Marcia also enjoyed spending their winters at their house on Lake Okeechobee in Florida, where he could often be found fishing in his spare time. One of the highlights of their marriage was traveling the country together to attend tractor pull competitions, a passion they both shared. David's work ethic, love of the land, and enjoyment of life's simple pleasures will be remembered by all who knew him.

Left to cherish David's memory are his beloved wife, Marcia Ann Smith of Richland Center; son Edward and Debra Smith of Okeechobee, FL; daughter Tonia Rensberger of Kewanna; son Ken and wife Carla Smith of Argos; eight grandchildren: Jenny Steininger (Matt), David Smith (Tiffany), Rich Rensberger (Stephanie), Jessicka Rensberger (Van Lehenbauer), Bradley Szucs (Jordan), Marci Feldman (Brian), Kristi Stackman (Mike), and Mitchell Richard (Julia); nine great-grandchildren; and five sisters: Vivian Bush of Culver, Ellen Dewitt of Argos, Sandra Holcomb of Monterey, Victoria Swizek (George) of Granger, and Jo Listenberger (Terry) of Culver.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters: Donna Ditmire, and Vera Cook.

A celebration of the life of Mr. David Allen Smith will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Pastor Bob Metzger will officiate.  His family will receive friends on October 25, 2024, from 4-7 PM and an hour prior to his services on Saturday at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, IN 46975. The Richland Center IOOF Lodge # 435 will conduct a memorial service at 7:00 PM Friday evening. Graveside services will be at the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery.  The Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Army Honor's Team will accord military rites.  Memorials may be made to Richland Center Odd Fellows Lodge #435 or Richland Center Tractor Pullers.