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Dale Robert Smith

Dale Robert Smith, 88, of Home, PA, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Back to Basics Personal Care Home in Dayton, PA.

He was born Aug. 15, 1937 in Green Twp., Indiana County, PA; the son of Maro and Jessie (Stringfellow) Smith.

Dale was a devoted member of Glade Run Presbyterian Church and proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines. He was the owner and founder of Mahoning Outdoor Furnace in Mahaffey, PA, and was well known throughout the area for Papa Dale's Soft Pretzel trailer, which he brought to many fairs and horse shows.

A generous and hardworking man, Dale built numerous homes for those in need. He created and built Eileen Drive in Smicksburg and also remodeled and donated the visitor center to the town of Smicksburg.

Dale never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He and his wife, Eileen, shared a love of travel and visited all 50 states together.

He was a member of the Smicksburg Antique Tractor Club and had a passion for collecting model trains and antique tractors. Dale especially enjoyed finding old tractors in fields and restoring them. He particularly loved Massey Ferguson tractors.

Dale enjoyed camping, boating, square dancing and was known for his square dance calling.

He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen (Dunmire) Smith, whom he married on May 21, 1977; step-son, Brian Weaver and his wife, Heidi of Rural Valley; step-daughter, Robin Weaver and Tim Horton of Mahaffey; grandchildren, Augusta Weaver and Rhys Weaver, Rory Farester-Hohl and Hannah Farester-Hohl; and his brother, Gerald Smith of Clymer, PA.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leonard Smith, Wendell Smith, Dean Smith, and Allen Smith; sisters, Anna Mae Adams, Leona Ball, Georgann Vedder, and Dorothy Hull; step-brothers, Norman and Vernon Smith; and a step-sister, Edna Hankinson.

Friends and family will be received from 10 AM until the time of the memorial service at 11 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Dayton Glade Run Presbyterian Church, 2534 Dayton Smicksburg Rd., Dayton, PA 16222 with Rev. Sheila Wadding officiating.

Interment will be at Smicksburg Methodist Cemetery, Smicksburg, PA where military honors will be presented by the American Legion Honor Guard.

Dale's family would like to extend a special thank you to Sherry Stockdale and her staff at Back to Basics Personal Care Home for the excellent care they provided to Dale.


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