Mr. Richard Dean “Dick” Smith, 84, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at The Waters of Lebanon in Lebanon, Indiana. He was born in Lebanon, Indiana, on March 4, 1942, the son of the late Lloyd George Smith and Kathryn Jacqueline “Jackie” (Baber) Smith.
Dick was previously married to Betty Kumpe and divorced. He later married Janet Marie (Hunt)
Smith and divorced.
He graduated from Whitestown High School in 1960 where he was a three-year letterman in basketball. Though a small school (there were 17 classmates in his 1960 graduating class), they were a close-knit group and enjoyed lifelong friendships. He looked forward to and so enjoyed Whitestown’s “all classes” reunions.
Staff Sergeant Richard Smith served our country honorably in the United States Air Force. He was a Procurement Specialist and spent his last two years in the military in South Korea where he served as a liaison between Korean civilian businesses and our government. With his aptitude and training he was the chosen man to take bids and coordinate countless projects.
Upon the end of his military service in 1970, he joined his brother, Ron, in the home construction business. Along with four super employees and many of the best sub-contractors in the area, Ron and Dick built the highest quality homes in Lebanon and were well known for their use of Zinn cabinetry and Pella windows.
Years later Dick and Ron worked together in the oil business in the Burkesville, Kentucky area.
They eventually tackled all phases of the business including drilling, storage, and hauling of crude oil.
But Lebanon was home. And Dickie Dean (as he was affectionately known to many family and friends since birth), finished his working career as office manager for his brother Dale’s real estate office (Coldwell Banker Dale Smith & Associates) in Lebanon.
He enjoyed many things, including varsity basketball in high school and pick up games of basketball while in the service, bowling, and playing euchre with friends and family. And… once he got the “hang” of the home construction business, he enjoyed “experimenting.” Such as with his own residence. In the early 1980’s Dick built an incredibly unique Underground House in Hazelrigg featuring such things as a wide open floor plan, at least four different types of heating, and the requisite Zinn Kitchen. This Underground House gained much notoriety throughout central Indiana; so much so that it was included as one of only three homes that WIBC radio featured in a sponsored and heavily advertised summer open house event.
Survivors include his daughters, Sherri L. (Terry) Denkhaus, Cathy D. (Randy) Wilson, and Kim (David) Cline; eight grandchildren; several great grandchildren; brothers, Dale G. (Bonnie) Smith of Lebanon and Barry J. (Tammy) Smith of Avon; nieces, Angilee Smith, Hannah (James) Morgan, and Taryn Smith; and nephews, Chad (Erin) Smith, Travis (Zita) Smith, Lloyd R. “Rusty” Smith, and Max Smith.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Carla Suzanne “Susie” Smith and a brother, Lloyd Ronald “Ron” Smith.
Funeral Services are planned for 12:00 noon on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will follow services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com