David K. Smith ’52

Dave grew up on a farm, belonged to the 4-H Club, and graduated from Manlius High School. Before joining us he served in the Army in Japan from 1946 to 1948. At Princeton, he joined Terrace Club (president) and majored in civil engineering. He roomed with Ed Loeffler, George Way, and Bill Pierson.

Dave worked at Raymond Concrete Pile Co., for three years, then at Consorcio Raymond-Brown and Root in Venezuela for 15 years. In 1970 he became a vice president of Raymond International in New York and then in Houston until 1980, when he began his second career with Exxon Production Research Co., with assignments in several foreign locations until his retirement in 1985.

Dave was active in class and University affairs in Houston, managing mini-reunions and fundraising. 

Dave died April 4, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Lois; and children Mara Smith Burpeau ’88 and David Andrew Smith. To them, the class sends regrets at the loss of a very active and valued alumnus and classmate.