David Smith

David Foster Smith, 87, of Rockford, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend, went to be with his bride Tuesday, October 12, 2021.  Born February 21, 1934, in Kankakee, the son of Foster and Eleanor (Forsythe) Smith.  Graduated from West High School and University of Illinois.  Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the signal corp. during the Korean conflict.  Married his high school sweetheart, Carol Anne Ramsey in November of 1953, in Rockford.  Member of First Presbyterian Church and University Club.  David was a prominent member of the legal community for many years.  He served in the States Attorney’s Office, Public Defenders Office, working along-side his father, Foster Smith, in their private practice, retiring as a Winnebago County Circuit Judge.  Retirement was filled with hours of work and play on his family farm, trout fishing from his cabin on the White River in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, and traveling the world with his beloved wife, Carol.  Avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.  Survivors include his children, Jan (Al) Pierce, Barb Smith, Julie (Todd) Swanson, and Alan Smith; grandchildren, Kerry (Gina) Treadman, Abbey (Tony) Malk, Jennie (Zac) Peterson, Stephanie (Justin) Svoboda, Ben Cook, Brittany (Conn) Kemper, Kirsten (Bill) Johnson, and Corey (Kayla) Pierce; 18 great-grandchildren; and his brother, John (Norma) Smith; sister-in-law, Susie; many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents; wife, Carol on May 23, 2013; and loving dog, Bear.

Service at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, October 24, 2021, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 12:30 p.m. to service time.  Burial in Willwood Burial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Paws Humans Society, pawshs.org ; or plant a tree in memory of David, alivingtribute.org .