David ‘Dave’ Allen Smoker

October 14, 2020 at 2:05 a.m.
David ‘Dave’ Allen Smoker
David ‘Dave’ Allen Smoker

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David “Dave” Allen Smoker, 59, of Leesburg, passed away as a result of an automobile accident on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Barnesville, Minn. Dave was on his way to North Dakota for an annual hunting trip, an activity he looked forward to each year.

Dave was born in Warsaw, on Oct. 4, 1961, to Robert and Helen Everest Smoker. Dave graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1980. He worked at DePuy Orthopaedics for 38 years. Dave was one of the first polishers hired at DePuy. He helped pioneer robotic polishing in the orthopedic industry. After a number of years working in polishing, Dave moved up to the position of senior manufacturing engineer. In his last years at DePuy, he worked in the product maintenance group. Dave was beloved by his colleagues for his work ethic, thoughtful nature, and great personality. He will be missed.

Dave was well known to those around him for his friendly nature and fun loving personality. He was known for his thoughtfulness, smile and unique laugh. Dave was an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his free time working on his property. Dave loved to fish and hunt, both wildlife and arrowheads. He enjoyed bird watching, having a number of different types of bird feeders on his property, and loved to discuss different types of birds with anyone who would listen. Dave also frequented the gun club to keep his skills sharp.

Dave is survived by his parents, Robert and Helen Smoker, of Leesburg; brother, Brian (Julie) Smoker, of Leesburg; children, Seth Smoker, of Indianapolis; Dalton Smoker, of Leesburg; and Carly Foreman, of Fort Wayne; best friend, Lori Smoker, of Warsaw; numerous relatives; and the dogs, Bonnie, Dallas, Austin and Mo.

Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be Friday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at Leesburg Cemetery in Leesburg. Given the current pandemic, the family understands that some might feel hesitation on attending. The family will plan to have a celebration of life for Dave next year in October, if the situation permits.  

*****

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Indiana Wildlife Federation, 708 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 in Dave’s name as a way to preserve the things he loved in life.

To sign the guestbook or send a condolence, go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.

David “Dave” Allen Smoker, 59, of Leesburg, passed away as a result of an automobile accident on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Barnesville, Minn. Dave was on his way to North Dakota for an annual hunting trip, an activity he looked forward to each year.

Dave was born in Warsaw, on Oct. 4, 1961, to Robert and Helen Everest Smoker. Dave graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1980. He worked at DePuy Orthopaedics for 38 years. Dave was one of the first polishers hired at DePuy. He helped pioneer robotic polishing in the orthopedic industry. After a number of years working in polishing, Dave moved up to the position of senior manufacturing engineer. In his last years at DePuy, he worked in the product maintenance group. Dave was beloved by his colleagues for his work ethic, thoughtful nature, and great personality. He will be missed.

Dave was well known to those around him for his friendly nature and fun loving personality. He was known for his thoughtfulness, smile and unique laugh. Dave was an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his free time working on his property. Dave loved to fish and hunt, both wildlife and arrowheads. He enjoyed bird watching, having a number of different types of bird feeders on his property, and loved to discuss different types of birds with anyone who would listen. Dave also frequented the gun club to keep his skills sharp.

Dave is survived by his parents, Robert and Helen Smoker, of Leesburg; brother, Brian (Julie) Smoker, of Leesburg; children, Seth Smoker, of Indianapolis; Dalton Smoker, of Leesburg; and Carly Foreman, of Fort Wayne; best friend, Lori Smoker, of Warsaw; numerous relatives; and the dogs, Bonnie, Dallas, Austin and Mo.

Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy.

McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be Friday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at Leesburg Cemetery in Leesburg. Given the current pandemic, the family understands that some might feel hesitation on attending. The family will plan to have a celebration of life for Dave next year in October, if the situation permits.  

*****

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Indiana Wildlife Federation, 708 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 in Dave’s name as a way to preserve the things he loved in life.

To sign the guestbook or send a condolence, go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
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