Danny Leon Smith went to be with the Lord on November 26, 2021. He passed peacefully with family by his side.
Born in 1945 to Glen and Dorothy Smith in Witchita Falls, TX, Dan is survived by his wife of 46 years Robin, his children Kim (Jeff) Phillips, Tina Koch, Troy (Shannon) Smith, Annie (Geoffrey) Elander, and Alan Smith; grandchildren Jacob (Katie) Phillips, Hailee Phillips, Ryan Koch, Marissa Koch, Samantha Smith, and Riley Smith; and brothers Randy (Leslie) and Marvin (MaryAnne) Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry, and pup Marley.
Dan grew up in Colorado and Texas and at age 20 joined the military and served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman from 1965 until 1969. He was stationed in San Diego initially, served a tour in Vietnam and finished his service in Yuma, AZ. After the military, Dan raised his family in CO, WA, MT and IA before retiring to Corvallis, MT in 2011. His life was entrenched in the restaurant business, most recently as owner of Robin’s Wood Oven Grill for 23 years in Des Moines, IA. He was a good businessman who made an impact on all those who worked with him.
Dan was an avid hiker and camper and loved going on backpacking excursions in the mountains with his brothers, kids, and friends. He also loved fishing and made it a priority to make it to Alaska a couple times over the last few years to reel in halibut and salmon with his best friends and family. Dan was also a great card player, eager to teach his kids and grandkids how to play poker only to turn around and beat them in family Texas Hold ‘em tournaments. He was a master story-teller and his love of traveling and adventure provided him with a lifetime of incredible stories that would captivate those who were lucky enough to hear them told. He was a generous man who was always willing to lend a hand to both old friends and strangers.
In Corvallis, Dan was a member of Canyon View Church and the American Legion and was forever grateful for the friends and fellowship he gained there.
The family would like to thank Bitterroot Hospice Center for the incredible comfort and support provided.
At Dan’s request, there will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or your own favorite charity.