Richard D. Smith, 61 years of age, went to Heaven on the morning of Monday, March 23, 2026, at Monument Hospital in Rapid City after suffering a severe stroke on February 17 of this year.

Richard was born on July 17, 1964 to Dean and Mary Smith of Wichita, KS. After graduating high school, Richard went on to work as a Mechanical Engineer for many years. Richard and Cindy met while he was working in Arizona and they went on to get married January 16, 1999. In the next few years, they were blessed to raise and homeschool their two children.

Richard became a Christian after meeting Cindy and after they took an “Experiencing God” class by Henry & Richard Blackaby, Richard felt led to go into non-profits so he could serve others. He went back to college and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a BS in Business Administration and then went on to AZ State University to get a Non-Profit Leadership and Management Certificate. Upon graduating, Richard worked at the Food Bank in Arizona until he moved his family to Rapid City, SD where he worked as the Executive Director for the American Red Cross for the past 18 years.

Richard truly had a passion for people. As an Eagle Scout himself, serving the Rapid City BSA Troop 72 was a place where he could share his love for camping, fishing, and cooking. He served on many boards for organizations all over and found joy in helping anyone wherever he could. Whether it was people who had just experienced a fire, going on a mission trip, dropping food off for the homeless, or just pulling out a stranded motorist, he was always happy to help and looked for an opportunity to do more for others. Richard loved caring for people and could be serious when asking hard and important questions, but he was also a huge goofball who loved joking around. Between his magic tricks, balloon animals, and quick wit, he could make any situation fun. Above all, what drove his love for his family and for others was his faith in God. Richard let his life and love for others be driven by God’s love for him and shared his faith wherever he could. He is leaving behind a legacy of laughter, deep love, and a strong passion for others and God.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Mary and father, Dean. Richard is survived by his wife, Cindy; children, Zachary and Hannah; sisters, Debbie (Bill), Melanie (Ashley); nieces, Amy (Ben), Laura (Brian), Sophie, and Emma; and great-nephews, Nathan and Charlie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Rimrock Church, 12200 W HWY 44 Rapid City, SD 57702. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an organization close to Richard's heart, Hands of Love USA - Friends May Donate Here.