Dale 'Smitty' Smith

Dale Richard “Smitty” Smith, 67, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, March 21, 2016, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Feb. 15, 1949, in Bay City, Michigan, to Richard and Marian Deitlein Smith.

Smitty served his country in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a teacher’s aide at Cape Girardeau Central High School and was very loyal to all of the school kids, and he had immense passion and love for Tiger athletics. He coached and molded countless students for 16 years.

Survivors include two nephews, Robert Weisz and Eric Weigle, both of Michigan; a brother-in-law, Wayne Mullholland of Michigan; and friends Kevin W. (Bekki) Crawford, Becca (Sam) Welker, Kenneth Spear, Chuck Bates, all of Cape Girardeau, and Tom Ellison of Tamms, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Pam Weisz.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be at the cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Missouri Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family toward funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.