Darvin L Smith

Darvin Lee Smith was born January 18, 1935 to George D. Smith and Grace Dilly Smith in Ocheyedan, Iowa. At a young age his family moved to a farm west of Tracy, Minnesota. He attended Tracy High School graduating in 1953. In August 1953, Darvin enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after being honorably discharged from Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin in August 1957. On January 4, 1957 he married Patricia Bisch in Dubuque, Iowa. Together the couple lived in Eagan, Minnesota, from 1961 where they raised their four children. In 1993 they moved to Palm Bay, Florida enjoying his retirement years in Florida. Darvin worked for The Minnesota National Guard 133rd Airlift Wing as a Civilian Technician

with dual status as a Flight Engineer on the C97 and the C130 airplanes. He was a recognized Veteran of the Korean War; Vietnam War and served in support of Southwest Asia in 1991 before retiring in 1992 at the rank of Master Sergeant.

He was a lifetime member of The American Legion Post 117 and lifetime member of VFW Post 1296.

Darvin was a giving and compassionate man. Darvin was a very handy, hard working man that could fix anything he set his mind too. He built his own garage and airplane hangar with the help of his family and

friends. He loved to work in his yard and would sit out on the end of day admiring his work.His love of his little pups Missy and Sophie was out of this world. His love for flying was phenomenal. He shared many

experiences of his knowledge of airplanes with his sons Allan and Stan and his brother Glen who are also accomplished pilots. He had both his private and commercial licenses. He loved spending time with his wife; his children; grandchildren and great-grandchildren and tried to make every family reunion he could. A true Minnesota Viking fan to the end.

Darvin is survived by his wife Patricia of 65 years; Sister Nancy Stuefen, Tyler, Minnesota: brother Glen (wife) Mary Smith Tracy, Minnesota along with the children; Julie Larsen of Eagan, Minnesota ; Kathryn Smith of Palm Bay, Florida; Stan & Cindy Smith, Atlanta, Georgia and Joan Smith, Palm Bay, Florida. Grandchildren: Jessica & Dan Boser, South St. Paul, Minnesota; Cassandra and Garrett Spieker, Lakeville, Minnesota; Tessa Larsen & Nick Bade, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; Dustin Smith, Palm Bay, Florida ; Darrin & Alma Jean Smith, St. Joseph, MO; Wesley Smith, Eagan, Minnesota; Wyley Smith, Atlanta, Georgia and Michael Smith of Palm Bay, Florida. Great Grandchildren, Beau Boser, Aria & Alivia Spieker and Addison Smith.

He is preceded in death by his parents and son Allan Lee Smith.

A visitation for DARVIN will be held Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Fountainhead Funeral Home, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. A celebration of life service will occur Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. A graveside service will occur Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S. 1, Mims, FL 32754.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the SMITH family.