Last Updated on June 10, 2022 by Fisher Funeral Chapel – Lafayette
Daniel Berry Smith, age 66, of Lafayette (formerly of Logansport) passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, June 10th – surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved Husband to Karen. Father to Danni and Kaycee. Bonus dad to Kristy and Jenny. Grandpa to Brittani, Taylor, Tyler, Jacob, and Grace. Father-in-Love, Grandfather-in-Love, Son-in-Love, Brother-in-Love, Uncle, and friend to countless others. He will be missed by many.
His professional life was also a life of service. Though he spent many years as CEO of Smith Office he never really felt comfortable with the title – always calling himself a salesman. His favorite part of the job was going out into the community and getting to know the people. Many happy years were spent between Logansport and Lafayette where he made treasured friends and colleagues, and served his community via Rotary Club, Red Cross, United Way, Junior Achievement, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and as a proud sponsor of Purdue Athletics.
But to him his greatest legacy was his family. It was most important to him to be a good provider – he was that and more. Not only was there always food on the table and clothes on our backs, because of him we had a homestead filled with memories and milestones, brains full of advice (and his best recipes), and lives blessed with the adventure of experiencing this country and the world. And though the life he and mom built afforded him many adventures (some highlights include zip-lining in Costa Rica, achieving two holes-in-one, and getting his pilot’s license) he found the most joy and peace in the little things that make a life: chopping wood for the neighbors, taking the dogs for a long walk up the lane, mowing the grass in that perfect criss-cross pattern, mornings sipping coffee while talking with mom, grilling and smoking meats for family and friends, and scratching off a lottery ticket while enjoying a beer and a cigar.
He had a mind for numbers, a curiosity for life, a skill for negotiating, and a respect for science – all the while getting a sparkle in his eye when talking about a movie he loved. Music, especially the blues, settled his soul. He loved handmade gifts and homemade cards from his kids and grandkids. He was a master at winning a purple chip at the casino. He looked forward to the Red Eye Golf Tournament every year and days spent on the course with friends. He loved treating family and friends to the Indy 500 year after year. You could count on finding him in front of the TV for a Bears/Packers game (Go Bears!). If he caught a walleye he was a happy man. A fire in the fireplace and dancing with mom to Willie Nelson’s “Crazy Like Me” made for a perfect evening.
He loved being Papa, Grandpa, and Uncle Dan. We love him so and will carry him with us always, through every adventure. Thank you Papa, Dan, Grandpa, Son, Uncle, Cousin, Friend. You did good. Rest now.
Dan joins his mother Arlene, father RJ, and brothers Bobby and Tim on the other side. He is survived by cherished wife Karen, treasured daughters Kristy, Jenny, Danni, and Kaycee, his beloved grandchildren, sister Kathy, brothers Pat and Mike, and his many adored nieces and nephews.
Endless thanks and boundless gratitude to Father Jeff of St. Boniface. To Beth, Heather, Jason, Mike, Natalie, Suzette, and Trinity of Franciscan Hospice Care. To the many doctors, surgeons, nurses, and caregivers who walked this path with Dan. To all of the sweet neighbors, friends, and extended family for your love, support, and generous acts of kindness and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to the wonderful Franciscan Hospice Care, 1415 Salem St. Ste 202, Lafayette IN 47904. 765-423-6224.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Jeff Martin officiating. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery.
Dan wanted no visitation. Rather, he believed the best way to honor his memory is to take a walk in the woods, play a round of golf with a buddy, scratch a lottery ticket, stamp your passport, pet the dogs, get out on the pontoon boat, and live your life to the fullest while never forgetting to appreciate the small things. We promise to do the same. Love you forever.
You may write memories and share condolences online by visiting www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.