Danny "Dan" L. Smith, 84 of Sterling, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023. He lived in Sterling for 55 years, with 50 of those years in the same home. He and his wife Sandy celebrated their 50th anniversary before she passed away in July 2015. He moved to Greeley, CO in November 2022 allowing him to be closer to his daughters. He was in Greeley when he passed away with his daughters by his side. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home.

Dan was born February 18, 1939, in Superior, Nebraska to LeRoy and Elizabeth Edith (Bruce) Smith. Dan left school at an early age but completed his GED in June 1962. Dan married his beloved Sandy Krakow on June 4, 1965, in Superior, Nebraska. In 1968 they moved to Sterling where they raised their family. Dan worked in the oil fields and as an owner/operator of a trucking company for many years. He and Sandy owned and operated other businesses during their years together, but he had a love for driving a truck and finished his working years hauling water in the oil fields before retiring.

Dan and his family loved camping or staying in cabins in Poudre Canyon for summer vacations and short get-aways. He had a love of gardening and was proud to keep his lawn looking nice all summer. He loved fishing, grilling, and drinking beer (not necessarily in that order) and being with his family and friends. While he wasn't as much the football fan as his wife, he did enjoy watching the Denver Broncos play.

Dan is survived by his daughter Tresa Brenckle (husband Roger) of Fort Collins, CO, his daughter Wendi Herrick of Greeley, CO, his granddaughter Shelby Herrick of Loveland, CO his grandson Tanner Herrick (wife Emilee) of Lansdale, PA, and brother Kenyard Smith (wife Norine) of Montana and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Winifred Maxine Ahrens (Kenneth), Shirley Jane Higer (George) and Sharon Louise Smith, and two brothers, Elvan LeRoy Smith, and Duane A. Smith.

Contributions may be made to the local Humane Society and/or local VFW-American Legion and/or a heartfelt charity of his, Wounded Warriors Colorado chapter.