Darrell Van Smith

Darrell Van Smith of Hot Springs, Ark. died May 6, 2018 after a long fight with cancer. He is survived by Nancy, his loving wife of nearly 55 years, his sons, Scott Smith and Grant (Amanda) Smith, granddaughter, Gwyneth Smith, his mother, Mildred Smith, brother, Winston Smith, sister, Marge Grisham, and large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Van Smith. Darrell was born Dec. 5, 1938 to Van and Mildred Smith. He grew up in Hot Springs and was a 1956 graduate of Lakeside High. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hendrix in 1960. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and pursued post-graduate work at the Institute of Religion at the Texas Medical Center in Houston. After six years of serving the United Methodist Church as a Minister to congregations in White Hall, Eudora, and Camden, he and Nancy moved back to Hot Springs. Here, he was the Director of Economic Planning for the West Central District of the Arkansas Planning & Development writing the first grants that established Garland County Community College, Mid-America Park, and Mid-America Museum. Darrell also wrote the proposal to the Governor's Office on Aging establishing the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas and then led as Executive Director for 25 years. Throughout his tenured career at the AAA, he was honored with many awards and his calling to serve the elderly was fully realized. Darrell was known as an avid hunter and fisherman, amateur photographer, music enthusiast, and Oaklawn Racing fan. He passed on his outdoor passions to his sons, leading them to build a cabin in the Fourche Valley. His interest in archeology and Native American artifacts flourished after discovering many unique artifacts on their farm. Of all his many life accomplishments, his proudest is his family. He met Nancy Edwards in Camden in 1962 while working as an Assoc. Pastor at the First United Methodist Church before attending SMU. They married on June 23rd, 1963. She has been his partner in life, work, and travel. Together, they traveled to six continents, 20 countries, and nearly all 50 states. Some of the highlights included the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and Indonesia. His sons have been a source of pride, but his granddaughter has been his greatest joy. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Klipsch Amphitheater at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs on Friday May 11th at 1:30 p.m. The family will receive guests following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Klipsch Amphitheater. Arrangements are with Hot Springs Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.hotspringsfh.com.