David Scott Smonko

David Scott Smonko was 71. He was born In PA. He graduated in 1971 and was selected to attend Ford Technician training. He joined the Military and was assigned to diesel maintenance and repair school. No one could pronounce his name and so they nicknamed him SMOKEY!

After the military, David bought a EXXON, then years later his bother went into business with him and they purchased 2 more. He closed down the gas stations in 2004 and began working for Automax Ford. In 2005 he began working at Quality paint and body (The Caliber downtown Killeen Location) until Caliber bought Quality. He spent the last 10 years working for FedEx..

Smokey was a huge fan of football! Diehard Steelers fan! Sorry Cowboys fans! He loved hunting, fishing and his 1971 Mach1 Mustang that he purchased himself when he was 17 years old. He was very generous to everyone and was always helping anyone he could with the repairs to their cars.

On December 31st he was diagnosed with the most advanced and aggressive form of Thyroid cancer. He went to the ER a few days later and was immediately placed in hospice care. He died on January 10th.

Smokey was a Veteran and will be placed in the VA cemetery. He received a National Defense Service Medal and Expert Rifleman's badge.. A lot of the costs are not paid for by the VA. So we are asking for some help to pay the cremation fee's.

There will not be a large service due to the cost but there will be a small graveside service for Smokey done by the VA, but we do not know a date yet.

Heather is trying to handle this on her own. But this type of help is hard to ask for. We have all lost someone and know the pain, suffering and frustration that comes with it as well as the financial burden.

I am asking for her and anything that you can give will be greatly appreciated.