Daniel A. Smith

Dan was born on January 16, 1953. He was a man who loved deeply, lived fully, and never needed much to be happy. His family, a fishing pole, his motorcycle, a boat ride at sunset, a good vacation with his wife, and a pair of jeans were usually all he needed.

Dan was a proud and devoted husband to his wife, Lori, with whom he shared a life filled with love, laughter, adventures, and countless memories. Together, they enjoyed traveling and creating memories that Lori and their family will carry with them forever.

Dan is survived by his wife, Lori; his former wife, Kathy, with whom he shared two children, Matthew (Sara) Smith and Stephanie (Dan) Natanek; and Lori's children, Andrew (Danielle) Landgrebe, Christie Easton, and Carlie (Ryan) Casson, whom Dan also considered family.

He was a proud grandfather to twelve grandchildren, Nick, Zack, Aubriana, Ryleigh, Conner, Natalie, Carter, Olivia, Colson, Lillyanne, Rori, and Eli.

Dan is also survived by his brothers, Dean Smith, Dale Smith, Dennis Cooley, and Willis; sisters, Diane Smith, Joann Cargill, and Bonnie; as well as many extended family members and countless friends who were lucky enough to know and love him.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and June Smith; and his brothers, David Smith and Duane Smith.

Dan was incredibly proud of his country. Throughout his life, he served a combined 26 years in three branches of the military: six years in the U.S. Navy as a radio operator, six years in the Army National Guard as a medic, and 14 years in the Air National Guard, where he served first as a medic and later as a fueler.

He was honored to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., an experience he treasured deeply. His service and pride in his country remained a meaningful part of who he was throughout his life.

Dan had a love for the outdoors and an adventurous spirit. He loved fishing, four-wheeling with his grandchildren, spending time at the lake house, taking sunset boat rides, and enjoying family time around the water. He especially cherished his annual biker club float trips and the rides, friendships, and memories made throughout more than 29 years with his Steel Justice family. He would have celebrated 30 years with his brothers in January 2027.

Dan was a man who could build just about anything and loved working with his hands. He enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and football, visiting Matthew and Stephanie in California, and simply spending time with the people he loved.

He was a hard-working man who took great pride in providing for his family. Dan spent more than 30 years working at Memorial Hospital and went on to spend more than 10 years at OCI, dedicating over four decades of his life to his work. His strong work ethic, willingness to help others, and ability to fix just about anything were qualities that defined him.

And then there were the things that were simply Dan: his jeans—365 days a year, without fail—his Jack Daniel's, his Backwoods cigars, his stories, his opinions, his ability to fix just about anything, and the way he could turn an ordinary day into a memory.

The family invites everyone to join them for all services on Tuesday, October 6, as they gather to celebrate Dan's life and honor the man he was.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Along the way, the procession will drive past the Steel Justice Bike Club in a meaningful tribute to the brotherhood and lifelong friendships that meant so much to Dan.

At Camp Butler National Cemetery, Dan will receive full military honors as his family and friends honor the life of a man who proudly served his country and loved his family fiercely.

Food and refreshments will follow immediately after the graveside service at VFW, 2349 Stockyard Road, Springfield, Illinois

In true Dan fashion, everyone is welcome to dress casually and wear jeans-just as Dan would have liked.

His life may have ended, but the stories, lessons, laughter, adventures, and love he gave us will live on in everyone who knew him.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.