David Smith
June 24, 1946 - July 11, 2026
Obituary
David “Dave” Lawrence Smith born June 24, 1946 to Martin and Theda Smith passed away on July 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after suffering a brain aneurysm.
Dave was born and raised in Lockwood, Montana, where he grew up alongside his brothers John and Larry and sister Linda attending Lockwood School and Billings Senior High School.
His military service began after high school. Dave served in Korea before being deployed to Vietnam. As a helicopter door gunner, he courageously flew countless combat missions under intense enemy fire. His helicopter was shot down multiple times, yet he continued to serve with honor. For his heroic actions in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and received an Honorable Discharge after more than six years of military service.
As an avid outdoorsman, Dave found great joy in hunting and fishing with family and being a hardworking ranch hand for many years at the 73 Ranch in Jordan. Family was the center of his life, and loved the holidays, playing cards, spending time together, and any chance to play a keno machine.
He is survived by his brothers, John (Sharon) Smith and Larry (Kathie) Smith; his nieces, Londa Burbank and her daughters, Tiera and Brittany; Tammy (Larry) Hopkins; Tina (George) Rivera and their daughters, Alisha, Tiffany, and Chelsey; Ed (Lorena) Kaderavek; Casey (Lucretia) Smith and their sons, Langdon and Rowen; Sean (Shelly) Smith and their daughters, Sadie, Samantha, and Sophie; his cousin, Judy Smith and her daughter, Rebecca; as well as many other cousins, nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Theda Smith; his sister, Linda Gordon; his brother-in-law, Thomas Gordon; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rest easy, Dave. Your watch is over, and your legacy lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing you.
Service will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel 10 Yellowstone Ave, Billings, MT 59101 on Monday July 20 at 11 am, With burial to directly follow at the Yellowstone National Cemetery 55 Buffalo Trail Road, Laurel MT with full Military Honors.