Pastor David J. Smitley, 68, of Heritage Pointe, Warren, Indiana, passed away at 10:32 AM on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Markle Health & Rehab in Markle, Indiana.  He was born on Friday, May 25, 1956, in Lafayette, Indiana to the late Keith J. & Alice Marie (Poling) Smitley.  Dave was a 1974 graduate of Kewanna High School, where he played baseball. He graduated from Indiana Business College with an associate's degree, Huntington College with a Bachelor of Science Degree and Anderson University with a Master of Divinity (MDiv). He married Debb Helvie on Saturday, October 16, 1976, in Logansport, Indiana.  Dave served as a Pastor for 31 years in the United Methodist Church. He faithfully served at Fowlerton UMC and Grant UMC from 1983-1987, Richland Chapel UMC, from 1988-1989, Hobart Trinity and Michigan Avenue UMC from 1989-1994, Portland Trinity UMC from 1994-2000, Otterbein UMC from 2000-2008 and retired from North Webster UMC, where he served from 2008-2014. After retirement Dave and Debb moved to Heritage Pointe in Warren. He enjoyed fishing, singing, sports and especially spending quality time with his family.

Loving survivors include his wife Debb Smitley, Warren, IN, daughters, Tina (Chris) Cowan, Indianapolis, IN, Kim (Phil) Nowaczewski, South Bend, IN, granddaughters – Lexi, Kaelyn, Adi, brother, Phil (Madge) Smitley and sisters, Beverly Smitley, Janice (Gary) Wentzel and Eunice (Ned) Urbin.

Family and friends may gather to share and remember from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Solid Rock Church, located at 485 Bennett Drive, Warren, on Saturday, October 26, 2024. A service to celebrate Dave's life will follow at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift or donations by mail: PO Box 723, Arlington, VA 22202.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Glancy - H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren.