David John Smith

Born in 1942 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Robert Irvin Smith and Hedwig Lorraine Gwosdz Smith, he grew up on the southeast side, attending St. Gerard Elementary School and graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1960. David served in the Army Air National Guard and worked for Western Electric (hired on in 1961) as a telephone equipment installer for 39 years, serving as city and South Texas area representative for the Communication Workers of America, local 6290. David believed in hard work and fair treatment for all. He retired on disability but was not ready to retire.

David married Carol Baumann in 1964 living in St. Margaret Mary parish where both became active in PTC, CYO, and Girl Scouts, with David serving as Parish Council President in the 1980’s. In 1993 they moved to Bulverde. David loved clearing cedar from their new home, building fences, moving rocks to create flower beds and a vegetable garden, and having a well-manicured yard, just like his daddy. Dedicated to Carol and their two daughters, he created traditions including family road trips - traveling both east and west across the country, constantly looking for a backroad and a scenic stop while listening to “good songs” - always oldies/rock-n-roll.

David enjoyed being a “girl Dad” for 55 years, sacrificing to provide the best education (two Incarnate Word High School and Texas A&M graduates) while ensuring knowledge of the basics: changing a tire, surviving a lost contact lens, and how to “get organized.” David loved fast cars, from his ‘56 Chevy to his ‘66 Chevelle 396 Super Sport. He made sure his daughters and grandchildren learned to drive a stick. “Papa” delighted his grandchildren with homemade wooden gifts, silly faces, and “Nestea plunges” into the pool along with trips for skiing, Disney, and Hawaii.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert “Bobby” Smith and sister, Carol Nancy Smith (infant). David is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Baumann Smith, daughters Cynthia (Cindi) Smith, Sally Bratton and son(in-law) Carl Bratton, grandchildren, Kathleen Bratton and John Bratton, sister-in-law Marie Ann Smith, brothers-in-law Carl and Clifford Baumann, numerous nieces and nephews.

In 2013 David was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and started chemotherapy before having a stem cell transplant. David lost his only sibling, Bobby (age 49) to lymphoma and his father (age 78) to lung cancer, both in the 1980’s. When David’s family learned of his diagnosis, all expected more of what was experienced in the 80’s. Thankfully research provided a very different experience this time with little to no nausea, loss of taste and appetite, and overall sickness. And most importantly, cancer research provided new treatments each time his current one stopped working. The family is grateful for the scientific research that allowed four different treatment regiments, giving eight more years to love him.

The family would like to thank: David’s physician, Dr. Larry Baros for his initial diagnosis and care over many years, Texas Oncology physicians and nurses, especially Drs. Gordon and Schumway, for their dedication and care, giving David 8 more years of quality time with his wife, kids, and grandchildren as he fought Multiple Myeloma. We would also like to thank Hope Hospice for his end of life care.

Rosary December 15, 2020, 10:00 AM

Mass of Christian Burial immediately following, 10:30 AM

St. Joseph Honey Creek

Catholic Church

25781 State Hwy 46 W

Spring Branch, TX 78070

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. https://give.themmrf.org/davidsmith

All current COVID-19 regulations of San Antonio Archdiocese will be enforced, requiring every participant to wear a mask throughout the Mass.

A private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery will be held after the Mass.

Due to COVID, we will have a celebration of David’s life next year.

A recording of his service from Tuesday, December 15, 2020, is available below: