David Smith

David Lee Smith of Leawood, Kansas, died on August 7th, 2021. He was 70 years old.

Born on September 12th, 1950, in McPherson, Kansas, David was the first child of Barbara Lee (McClellan) and Walter Lee Smith. His family settled in Hoisington, Kansas, where David spent most of his young life.

David graduated from Hoisington High School in 1968. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for a total of seven years. During his service, he was honored to represent the United States as a member of the National Honor Guard in South Korea. He later attended Kansas State University and was a very enthusiastic Wildcat fan.

David founded and ran AppraisalSmith of Kansas City, a real estate appraisal company, for over 15 years. He loved his profession, employees, clients, and the relationships he formed over the years through his business. He intended to preside over his company for many more years to come.

David enjoyed reading books on history and painting miniature military figurines with meticulous historical accuracy. He loved all things K-State, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. David was a coffee connoisseur and recently discovered a passion for craft beer and mixology; always eager to share his latest discovery or creation with others. In his youth, David was a competitive athlete who played football, baseball, basketball, and ran track. He continued that love of sports by playing competitive tournament slow pitch softball with his wife, C’arren, well into his 40’s. Most of all, spending time with family and friends was his favorite way to occupy his time.

David’s biggest gift to the world was his charismatic character and abundant optimism. He never met a stranger; he befriended everyone.

If you walked into a room where David was present, he likely would be the first to greet you with a big smile, an outstretched hand, and the warmest, “How ARE you?” Soon you would receive a witty comment, introductions to others in the room, and possibly an invitation to stop by his house. Dave and C’arren loved to host birthday celebrations, holidays, televised sporting events, game nights, bible study, and any opportunity that brought people together.

David was preceded in death by his father, Walter Smith. Survivors include his beloved wife of 33 years, C’arren Smith of Leawood; his children Jodi Miller-Vinnage of Overland Park, Jeni Prenger (Nate) of Leawood, Erin Smith of Overland Park and Brett Payton (Tara) of Overland Park; ten grandchildren: Taylor, Lauren and Connor Vinnage of Overland Park, KS; Keauna Smith of Kansas City, Mo.; Carsten and Tinsley Prenger of Leawood; Patrick, Kate, Henry and Jack Payton of Overland Park; his mother, Barbara Livingston; two sisters, Sondra Smith of Marble Falls, Texas, and Lynda Smith of Hudson, NY. He also leaves countless loving friends.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life which will be held on Thursday, September 16th at 11 am at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood KS 66224.  If you are not able to attend in person, you may watch the live stream at the following link: http://www.cor.org/memorialsonline