David Wayne Smith

David Smith, 63, of Elgin, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Sterling High School Auditorium with Don Armes officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Cemetery. Services by Fletcher and Elgin Funeral Home.

David was born on November 22, 1962, to Adraine and Deloris Smith. He grew up in Sterling, Oklahoma, where he spent his childhood making memories that would shape the man he became. As a boy, David loved playing Little League baseball and could almost always be found playing in the creek or climbing the big tree near his home.

Growing up around agriculture, livestock, and the country way of life, David developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the hard work that came with it. He showed livestock as a young man and later took great pride in helping his niece and eventually his great-nephew with their own livestock projects. He spent many days hauling hay and was always involved in raising and caring for livestock. These experiences helped shape the hardworking, dependable man he became.
David dedicated many years of his life to working at Goodyear. He made many lifelong friends during this time. After a long and faithful career, he retired in 2022.

A country man through and through, David was happiest wherever the outdoors called him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed deer hunting, quail hunting with his dad, and looked forward to annual pheasant hunting trips with his friends. He also loved hog hunting and took countless family members and friends on wild hog hunts, always eager to share the adventure with others.

One of David’s greatest passions was noodling. He knew all the best fishing holes and had an incredible knack for catching some of the biggest fish around. He loved nothing more than bringing everyone together for a big fish fry at his house, believing that the more people around the table, the better. David was also well known for his barbecue. His great-niece always said he cooked the best ribs, and those fortunate enough to enjoy one of his meals knew they were in for something special.

Above all else, David was a faithful Christian. He possessed a deep knowledge of the Bible. He was a loyal friend to many, a devoted son and big brother, and the best uncle and great-uncle who dearly loved his family. David wasn’t one to express his love with grand gestures or many words. He showed his love quietly through the time he gave, the meals he cooked, the hunts and fishing trips he shared, and the memories he created with those around him.

David had a unique ability to meet people and make friends wherever he went. Through his work, hunting and fishing adventures, and everyday life, he built friendships with people from all walks of life. Whether someone was a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, David had a way of making them feel like they belonged.

David is survived by his mother, Deloris Smith of Sterling, Oklahoma; his sister, Sherrie Smith of Sterling, Oklahoma; his niece, Jennifer Want and husband, Heath Want, of Cyril, Oklahoma; his great-nephew, Aiden Want of Cyril, Oklahoma; his great-niece, Rozlynn Want of Cyril, Oklahoma and his extended family and many loyal friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Adraine Smith and many other family and friends.

David will be remembered for, his love for the outdoors and the genuine joy he found in sharing life’s simple pleasures with others. Whether he was in a deer stand, wading in the creek, taking friends on a hog hunt, cooking barbecue for family and friends, or cheering on the OSU Cowboys, the people who knew him best understood that his love was found in the things he did rather than the words he spoke. He left behind countless stories, friendships, and memories that will continue to be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.