Daniel Smith

Daniel Lester Smith was born in Brady, TX, but grew up in Fountain, CO. The family lived on a little farm much like the one he had spent the last 12 years building up for his beloved family in Penrose.

As a kid, he loved climbing trees and making forts, was an avid daredevil bike rider, as well as cyclist and racer as he grew older. Daniel loved all types of music, from the mosh pits to an Elton John concert, and his favorite, Prince. Dan’s favorite hobbies were fixing and building anything. He built and rebuilt chicken coops and his wife’s prize peacock pens, much to his dislike of them (lol). He had finally given in to his wife’s desire for goats and more berry plants, and garden area. Dan’s loyalty was like no other. Dan’s other love was his classic truck! He had several truck rebuilds and has finally acquired the “dream” build after looking at it longingly for 10 years, his ’71 GMC.

Dan was forever the patient and loving dad, not only to his own kids, but to every kid that came under his roof. He was a boy scout leader from the time Jerry was a Cubbie, leading the troop for many years on many adventures and finally forming and leading the Venture Crew for the teen boys and girls.

Dan worked for Giuseppe’s Old Depot, his Family Construction Company in 3 different states, La Creperie, Red Robin working right up to manager/supervisor position, and City Right of Way Team. Dan started work for the City of Colorado Springs on April 14, 2008. He worked for the city stormwater enterprise as an Inspector 1. His prior experience with erosion control proved invaluable and his experience was evident as an important member of the team. With a promotion of Inspector 2, Dan saw an opportunity to optimize the efficacy of the city Right of Way Team and further their work. He flourished as a well-rounded inspector, ensuring contractors completed work in the city ROW in accordance with city standards and specifications. In 2017, Dan was promoted again to an Inspector 3 and became the “go-to-inspector” for the downtown city area, a highly visible, extremely delicate, and difficult district to manage. Dan excelled and was well known throughout the district. He was often lauded for his ability to network and communicate with all stockholders involved with permitted work in the city ROW. Dan recently celebrated his 15th year with the city of Colorado Springs, and he was an outstanding part of our extended work family. During his time as an Inspector, his reputation throughout the city was labeled “tough but fair” and his unique perspective was crucial to his success, the success of the ROW team and beyond.

Daniels greatest joys and all his pride were in his beloved wife, kids, family, and his own little farm. Daniel is survived by his wife, Shellie; daughter, Sydney (Kyle); son, Jerry; and the granddaughters he was raising, Kiala and Hellen. He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Lee Smith; and his mother, Cynthia Joy Watterson. Daniel has four siblings: Greg (Oneida), Teri (Ali), Ben, and Robin (father-in-law Ed Watterson), as well as numerous nieces and nephews and tons of friends.

A celebration of life will be held on the farm in Penrose on Saturday July 1, 2023. Contact Shellie Smith, (719) 216-3108 or Sydney Falk (719) 337-9132 for information and directions.

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