David Melvin Smith was born in Phoenix, AZ on March 11, 1948 and passed away in Chandler, AZ on March 26, 2023 at the age of 75. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Lorraine Smith, as well as their granddaughter, Sophie DeTemple. He is survived by his wife, Jean Alldredge Smith, their four children; Andrew (Lisa), Daniel, Deborah (Gavin), and Matthew (Melanie) as well as seven of their eight grandchildren. He is the oldest of five children and is survived by all; Donald, Kenneth, Janice, and Gary. He grew up in Globe and Miami, AZ where he attended school until as a teenager they moved to Mesa, AZ. He served in the New England states mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Jean on June 27, 1974, and got his teaching degree from ASU. He taught math and science in Mesa Public Schools until he retired. He later became the executive director of an alternative organization independent of standard teacher unions. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, helping many boys advance through the rank of Eagle. He was also very patriotic, having a profound respect for the Founding Fathers and all they did to establish our great country.
Viewing will be Friday March 31st 6pm to 8pm Pueblo Stake Center. 2334 E Pueblo Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204 Funeral will be Saturday April 1st at 9:30am to 11am Pueblo Stake Center. 2334 E Pueblo Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204 Burial will be Saturday April 1st at 11:30am Mesa Cemetery. 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201. For those who would like to live stream the service, https://youtube.com/live/cLoFaTdrrpI?feature=share
Flowers may be sent to Bunker Family mortuary.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Fond memories of David and his mentoring. Best wishes and prayerful thoughts.
Jean, I am so sorry to hear this, my heart goes out to you. You were always my favorite Alldredge cousin. Love you and I hope the best for you!
Thanks, Leigh Ann, and sorry to hear about Mike.
We are so sorry to hear of Davids passing. We love and pray for comfort and peace for your family.
Dear Jean and family, we were so sorry to hear of David’s passing. We pray that you will find comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge of sealed and forever families. We are sending all of our love during this time of sorrow and rememberances.
Jean, we are so sorry for your loss. David was a great mentor to me during our years together in MPE. It was a great blessing to be his cousin and learn from his humor and knowledge. we love you Annabel and John Hall
David and I have been friends since we were at Westwood High. David was also very active in the Boy Scouts in the Mesa District. He was awarded for his service with:
1997 Commissioner Hall of Fame
2013 District Award of Merit
2014 Silver Beaver
as the former scribe of the Mesa District we with to show our appreciation to David for his service to youth.
We are so sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was a lovely man, and so young. (I guess or notion of age changes as the years pass, but even so…)
I am saddened and broken-hearted to hear of Dave’s passing. 🙁 I first met Dave when I needed some professional advice/guidance as a teacher. His name was recommended to me. I was not a member of his organization (Mesa Independent Professional Educators) and yet; Dave still met with me and gave me valuable advice. Years later I was recruited by Dave to serve on the board for his organization. I don’t know how; but Dave remembered me and sought me out. (I was at a different school). I learned a lot from Dave and he helped me rub shoulders with the district and introduced me to a lot of important people. I loved working with Dave and helping other teachers. Dave was a great conversationalist and I loved talking history and scouting with Dave. He had a heart of gold and was an exemplar to all of us on serving your fellow men.
My deepest sympathies to his family.