David “Bud” Smith, age 87, a resident of Hayward, died on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.

David Lee “Bud” Smith was born on April 21, 1931, in Bolivar, NY to parents Lloyd and Ruby (Henshaw) Smith.  The family moved to Harvey, IL when he was very young, where David grew up and graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1949.

After serving in the Naval Reserve for two years, David joined the U. S. Navy and served on the USS Pollux, servicing the fleet in Japan and Korea. Following his naval service, he attended Interior Design School in Chicago and started his own painting and wallpapering business in 1954.

In 1956, he met Frances Dorazio, and they were married and had four wonderful children.  The family moved to Hayward, WI in 1971 to work and raise their family.

Bud enjoyed old cars, going out for fish fry with friends and family, and Wednesday lunch at a Chinese restaurant.

David is survived by his four children:  Lance David Smith, Kevin Curtis (Carol Tilleman) Smith, Brian Sean (Terry) Smith, and Kelli Beth (Ernie) Blanchard, six grandchildren, Suzanne, Ben, Ian, Heather, Nicole and
Spencer, two great-grandchildren, Clara and Ignatius, and his special friend Joyce Zaspel.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Fran, father Lloyd, mother Ruby Ann, sisters Wanda, Bobbie and Betty Jo, and brother Jack.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on Friday, April 12, at 3pm at the Hayward Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Hilgendorf officiating.  Visitation will be held on Friday, from 2-3pm at the Funeral Home.

Interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward next to his wife Fran.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sawyer County Senior Center.

Last Update: Apr 10, 2019 8:01 am CDT