Otah W. Smith

To Teach is to Touch a Life Forever Otah W. Smith, 82, a lifetime Danville resident, passed away at his home in the comfort of his loved ones on Tuesday, December 27, 2005. He had not been well all fall. He was born June 19, 1923 in Little Rock, Arkansas the son of the late George and Ruth (Straley) Smith. Otah married Shirley Ann Hamilton August 17, 1957 in Kokomo, Indiana, a blessed union of 48 years. He is survived by his wife, one daughter Diana Kay Smith of Dallas, Texas and one son, Brian T. Smith of Washington, D.C. Otah was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Lawrence, and numerous cousins. Otah served his country during WWII in the United States Navy. Upon his return home he held several sales positions which allowed him to graduate from Butler University with a degree in business and from Indiana State with an M.S. in Education Administration. Beginning in 1958, Otah began his teaching career. During the next 30 years, he changed innumerable lives as he shared his love and concern with his students who came from all walks of life. A tradition in his classroom was that all students learn and recite Little Orphan Annie, a poem by James Whitcomb Riley. After retiring, Otah became a faithful member of the Morning Men of the Mall Group. He enjoyed all sports especially basketball. During his teaching career he taught and coached the 5th and 6th grade at Northeast School. Otah will be greatly missed by his many friends and loving family but they are comforted by knowing he is with his Savior