David Lee Smiley

David Lee “Dave” Smiley, 78, of Mulberry, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, at 12:06 a.m., surrounded by his loving wife, Cathy, and his three living sons.
Born February 23, 1948, in Rushville, Indiana, Dave lived a life defined by faith, family, friendship, service, and a lifelong love of learning. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and follower of Christ whose kindness touched countless lives.
Dave earned a Master of Science in Chemistry and built a distinguished career as a biochemist, including time at Eli Lilly and at Indiana University, where his research contributed to the development of peptide therapies for diabetes and obesity. But the greatest gifts he carried from those years were friendships. Many coworkers became lifelong friends, and through job changes, moves, and the passing of years, Dave stayed close to the people he loved, celebrating their joys, supporting them through hard times, and treasuring every memory along the way.
A devoted Christian, Dave most recently served and volunteered at Faith East in Lafayette. His faith shaped everything: the way he lived, loved, and cared for others. Whether helping a friend, encouraging a coworker, or assisting a stranger in need, he was always ready to lend a hand.
Dave shared a beautiful love story with Cathy. They met at a gathering at St. Michael’s Church in Greenfield and married on October 7, 1988, building a home centered on faith and love that welcomed family, friends, and anyone in need of encouragement.
An avid reader with endless curiosity, Dave spent two to three hours a day reading and learning, and loved passing along articles and discoveries to the people they reminded him of. A message from Dave with a thoughtfully chosen article was his familiar way of saying he was thinking of you. He also had a gift for fixing, building, and improving things, renovating apartments and taking on home projects, always eager to put his skills to work for others.
Above all, Dave cherished his family. He was the loving father of Doug and Mike and recently endured the heartbreaking loss of his son Doug on May 31, 2026. He was also a devoted stepfather to Cathy’s sons, Michael and Christopher, whom he welcomed as his own when they were young boys.
Nothing brought Dave greater joy than being “Pa” to his grandchildren: Matthew (14), Lukas (13), Ethan (12), Lily (8), and Liam (8). He delighted in spoiling them and treasured every moment, from bouncing them on his knee and reading them stories to taking them on park adventures. To them, Paw was comfort, fun, wisdom, and unconditional love.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” and Carolyn Smiley, and his beloved son, Doug. He is survived by his wife, Cathy; his son, Mike; his stepsons, Michael (Yuri) and Christopher (Alison); his grandchildren, Matthew, Lukas, Ethan, Lily, and Liam; his brother, Kevin (Jane); his sister, Jenny (and her late husband, Tom); and many extended family, friends, church family, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Dave never measured life by titles or accomplishments, but by faith, family, friendships, and chances to help others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, service, wisdom, and love.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Senior Living Clubhouse at Faith Church, 5572 Mercy Way, Lafayette, IN. Interment will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington, IN. Donations in Davids name may be made to Faith Church Children’s Ministries.