Dawson Smith, 22, of Conde, SD, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, as the result of an automobile accident.

Dawson Dakota Smith was born on November 4, 1998, in Watertown, SD to Loren Smith and Patrice Williams. He joined his siblings Stacy, Keri, Andy, and Brittany. He went to elementary school in Conde, SD and finished out his schooling in Mellette, SD where he lettered in football all 4 years of high school. After high school, Dawson received the Build Dakota Scholarship and attended Lake Area Technical Institute where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Diesel Technology in May 2020. 

From a young age, Dawson always loved to disassemble/reassemble his toys which lead to his bikes and then his beloved pickups. When Dawson wasn’t hanging out with friends or working, you were sure to find him in the shop at the farm which he loved with all his heart. The greatest characteristic about Dawson was he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that was in need and would do so with a smile on his face. He made friends wherever he went and everyone that knew him had a Dawson story.

He is survived by his parents: Loren Smith (Sheryl Gaspar) and Patrice Williams; birth parents: Jamie Neel (Hansen) and Todd Erickson; siblings: Stacy Smith, Keri Smith, Andy Smith, Brittany (Jeff) Kreul, Trevor Hansen, Alexander Dutchuk, and Chloe Dutchuk; nieces: Nevaeh, Tiahna, Reagan, Kimber, and Kingsley; nephews: Micah and Carter; grandparents: Floyd and Carol Smith and Madonna Hildebrant; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Lynn Hildebrant and Arliss Siert.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Turton, SD. Public visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 am and the public Mass of Catholic Burial will follow at 11:00 am. Reverend Tom Hartman and Deacon Jeff Schulte will officiate. The family will hold a private ceremony at a later time as Dawson had requested to be cremated and his ashes spread on the family farm.

Masks and social distancing are required by the church. The Mass will be live-streamed to the funeral home’s website at 11:00 am.  All memorial donations will go towards funeral expenses and due to Covid, there will not be a luncheon held afterward.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield, SD.  (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

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Thank you to the participants in Dawson's service:

Clergy - Reverend Tom Hartman and Deacon Jeff Schulte

Organist - Heidi Williams

Cantor - Max Williams

Pallbearers - Alex Worlie, Cory Eggleston, Nate Palmer, Tucker Bohl, Jeff Groft, Andrew Lefforge, Tyler Braun, Isaac Bauer

Honorary Pallbearers - LATI Class of 2020 Diesel Technology and Dawson's Friends

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