Dr. David Allen Smith

Dr. David Allen Smith, Ph.D. February 25, 1933 - November 12, 2025

Dr. David Allen Smith, 92, passed away in Hagerstown, MD, leaving behind a legacy of scientific discovery, public service, and an enduring love of the outdoors.

Born on his grandfather's farm near Osceola, Nebraska, David was the son of Kenneth W. Smith and Irvilla Jones-Smith-Bergschneider. Known affectionately as "Skip" in his youth, he grew up in Blair, Nebraska, where he was class president, athlete, and valedictorian of his Dana College class. His studies were briefly interrupted by military service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany and discovered his lifelong passion for skiing.

After earning his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Southern California, Dr. Smith began a distinguished career at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1964, authoring dozens of scientific publications and pioneering research in molecular biology and radiobiology. In 1977, he joined the U.S. Department of Energy, where he would go on to shape some of the most significant life sciences research programs of his time. As Director of DOE's Life Sciences Research Division, he played an instrumental role in launching and guiding the Human Genome Project-one of biology's greatest achievements. Upon his retirement in 1996, he was honored with the Department's Distinguished Career Service Award for his visionary scientific leadership. An avid outdoorsman, David found joy in hiking, backpacking, and skiing throughout the Western United States and Canada. Later in life, he took up golf, playing regularly at Beaver Creek Country Club and proudly achieving four holes-in-one. He also gave generously of his time, volunteering for literacy and community organizations, mentoring students, and supporting junior golf programs.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Moser-Smith; and brother, Jack Smith.

He is survived by daughters, Leslie Marsh, Danelle Archer and Deonne Dixon; stepdaughters, Deanna Baile and Melanie Moser; grandchildren, Nicole Clemans, Jordan and Corey Marsh, Alex Heyden, Shelby Umble, Thomas and Alyce Archer, Paige Saylor, Austin and Troy Dixon; stepgrandsons, Brett and Brady Baile; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Hannah and Macie Darnall, Kiran, Sophie and Olivia Marsh, Mason and Blake Marsh, Lux Heyden, Leon and Isaac Brasher, Tyree, Brooks and Scarlett Saylor, Maverick and Atlas Umble; his sister, Lonne Kay Vaughan; and many extended family members and friends who will remember him for his intellect, kindness, and quiet humor.

Dr. Smith's life was a testament to curiosity, service, and the belief that knowledge could make the world better. There are no services.