David Telfield Smith

David T. Smith, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg. David was born December 17, 1933 in Toledo, Ohio to Benedict G. and Alma E. (Davis) Smith. He was married to the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth, for fifty-two years. She preceded him in death on September 30, 2014 and they are now together again in the presence of their Lord. 'Gramps', as he was fondly referred to, grew up loving cars. His mom and dad owned a used car lot and home on Cherry Street in Toledo and this is where he was taught to buy and sell cars at an early age. He became an expert in his field and taught many young men about the car business. He was well known and respected at both local and out-of-town auto auctions where he made countless friends. He worked at various car dealerships throughout his career as a wholesale car buyer and retired from Dunn Chevy after 27 years. The staff at Dunn Chevy were like a second family to him. He was proud to say he graduated from Scott High School in 1951 and never missed a class reunion. His friend and schoolmate, Harold Forrey, introduced his sister to David and that introduction resulted in the loving marriage of David to Mary Elizabeth. For many years he would play pick-up basketball games with Scott alumni and also coached and played at JCC. His greatest legacy to the family will be the example he set as a Godly man. He was deeply loved and respected for his Christian beliefs, his humor, and his kindness to all people. His witness to the Lord changed many lives. Gramps loved children, especially the babies, and he rocked them all to “Bye-o-Bye”. They all knew him as a gentle and caring man and his faith influenced all of their lives. They loved Gramps. His Christian service included Deacon at The Christian Fellowship of Toledo where his father was a founding member and Elder, Christian Businessmens' Association and Board of Directors for Christian Transportation International. He had a kindness and out-going personality that allowed him to make friends easily–he never met a stranger–and had friends everywhere he went. As an avid storyteller he a remarkable memory for detail. He had a hearty appetite (especially for any kind of potatoes) and Mary’s cooking was by far his favorite. One of their favorite activities together was dancing; they were great on the dance floor. He also enjoyed playing basketball, reading the newspaper cover to cover and watching television. David is survived by his children, Fred (Judy) Hafner, Judy Monaghan, David (Rita) Hafner and Leslie Hafner. He also leaves fifteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren to cherish his memory. Along with his wife, Mary, David was preceded in death by his parents, sister, MaryAnn Rothacker, grandson Paul Hafner, great-grandson Andrew Krisiewicz, and son-in-law William Monaghan. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for his caregivers during the past months, Comfort Keepers, Per Diem Nursing, and especially the doctors and staff at UTMC. We cannot thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio enough for their exceptional care. Friends will be received Tuesday, April 28, 2015 from 4-8 P.M. at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St, Perrysburg (419-874-3133) where funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 11 A.M. Burial will follow in Troy Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cherry Street Mission, 105 17th Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604 or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.