Daniel Dale Smith was born in Topeka, Kansas, on September 8th, 1984. He arrived to the loving and proud parents, Ron and Joyce Smith, in Paola, Kansas, 10 days before his first birthday on August 30th, 1985, weighing 25 lb. He was just starting to walk and was already making sounds on the piano that resembled real tunes. He left this world too young and suddenly on May 2, 2026, at 41 years old.

He was raised with his sister, Deawn Smith, and his bonus sister, Amanda Floyd Sanders. They lived with his Great Grandma Louise Smith, also in the area where his Great Grandfather, Hugh Thompson, his Grandparents B.J. and Mary DeGrande, and Elizabeth Smith. His only surviving grandparent is Grandma Beth or "GG".

He leaves behind his greatest and PROUDEST accomplishments, his three lovely daughters, Kailyn Smith and Zach, Adrienne, and Scarlett. All three are still in school.

Uncle Dan Dan also leaves his only niece, Mazzie Anderson, and nephew, Miles Williams, which when young he included them in his family activities, his extended family and good friends, both local and online, where he was known as Hammer to many.

He attended Sunday School, youth groups, and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Paola. He attended all 12 years in Paola, graduating in 2003. Took classes at Fort Scott. Lived all his life in Paola or Olathe.

Daniel loved music, computers, and gaming. He could play almost any instrument he touched by hearing the tunes. Mastered the piano, drums, and guitar. Played in a few bands and twice at the Paola Roots Festival.

He worked most of his life in IT positions, with his longest time being with Lakemary Center, and ended at Baker University.

An Educational account for his girls has been created at the First Option Bank of Paola. Donations or checks may be made out to Joyce Smith.

A celebration of his life was held at his home on May 9th with some of his favorite foods, BBQ and cheesy "funeral" potatoes. Our kind-hearted Daniel will be missed.