Obituary

David Lewis Smith, 63, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on July 8, 2026.

Born on February 25, 1963, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, David was the eldest child of Robert T. Smith Sr. and Barbara Jo (Barkhymer) Smith. He grew up in Johnstown’s West End, graduated from Johnstown High School in 1981, and attended Brevard College in North Carolina. He followed career opportunities to York, Pennsylvania, where he managed several Domino’s Pizza locations before joining Sheetz, Inc., a position that eventually took him back to North Carolina for a time. In recent years, he returned to Johnstown to manage DRC Expediting, his father’s business.

David found joy in simple things. He never got tired of watching dramatic summer thunderstorms roll across the sky or spending time at the airport, content to watch planes and jets take flight. Cape May, New Jersey, held a special place in his heart, where he loved to search the beach for sea glass and Cape May diamonds.

His Grandpa Barkhymer inspired a lifelong fascination with treasure hunting, old coins and stamps. Music was something he enjoyed a great deal, and his playlists reflected his wide-ranging tastes, with favorites including Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, Linda Ronstadt, George Strait, Josh Groban, and Alabama.

David had a sharp mind for numbers. He remembered phone numbers from decades ago, understood the stock market with ease, and found pattern and meaning where others saw only figures.

He cherished the memories and influence of his grandparents and his beloved great-grandmother, Helen Fritz Davies, who lived long enough to know his own children. But nothing brought him greater happiness than being “Papa” to his five grandchildren Charlie, Maxxie, Collin, Spencer, and Roland. He treasured every story they shared, every off the wall question they asked, and delighted in watching their intelligence, creativity, and talents unfold. Whether snuggling together on the couch or simply listening as they talked about their day, those moments with his grandchildren were among his greatest joys.

While he could be stubborn and sometimes grumpy, he also believed in helping others whenever he could and found real satisfaction in making people smile. Though his passing was sudden, he will remain alive in the memories he created with those who loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Kate Rauhauser-Smith; their children, Andrew and Helen Rose; grandchildren, parents, sister, Amy and brother-in-law John Alberter; brother, Robert Smith Jr of Eau Claire, PA; sister-in-law, Julie Ann Wiles, of East Brady, PA; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

A celebration of David’s life will be announced by the family for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite local animal shelter or animal rescue organization, honoring David’s love for animals.

Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com