David Lee Smith, 73, of Minot, died Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in a Minot hospital.

David was born on January 25, 1952 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to parents Carlton and Alice (Sergent) Smith. He was raised and educated in Wisconsin.

Following high school, David enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, Takhli and Utapao Air Force Bases in Tailand, and Ramstein Air Base in Germany before being stationed at several other air bases in the United States.

David was united in marriage to Cathy Ann Grossnickle on July 15, 1975.

In 1984, David and his family moved to Minot, where he continued his service to our country. He retired in 1990.

David was a member of several local clubs, including: the Dakota Cruisers Classic Car Club, where he served as Cruise Director for many years; the DAV; the VFW; and the Minot Rifle and Pistol Club, where he was a founding member of the Trestle Valley Longshots. He enjoyed volunteering at the Dakota Territory Air Museum, where--if he wasn't shooting the breeze with his friends--you could often find him rebuilding the planes or giving tours.

His loving family includes: children, Ryan and Kaekelia, both of Minot; his sister Jean; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

David was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Cathy.

Per David's wish, no services will be held.