David J. Smith, age 80, of New Haven passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 in Fort Wayne. He was born in Fort Wayne to the late Homer and Evelyn Smith. David served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He worked 36 years as a lieutenant in the traffic division for the Allen County Sherriff Department and most recently he served in the Allen County Sherriff Reserves. David was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of New Haven. He loved the outdoors and animals, and will be remembered most as a devoted husband and father. David is survived by his wife of 37 years, Linda Smith; sons, Tom Smith and Michael Smith both of Fort Wayne; three grandchildren; and sister, Diane Watson of Monticello, KY. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services are handling the arrangements.