George "David" Smitson

George "David" Smitson, 80, of Plainfield, left his earthly home on Wednesday, November 21, at I.U. West Hospital.  He was born August 22, 1938 in Maysville, KY.  He was the son of LeeLand Smitson and Emma Lee (Tucker) Smitson.  He and his wife, Christine (Neff) Smitson also from Maysville, KY were married for 58 years.  George served in the United States Navy, setting sail on the USS Pickaway (APA 222) naval ship.  While onboard, he served as a fireman as part of the R Division.  Since he served during a time of peace, he did not see combat during his deployment.  His Military service enabled him to explore the cultures of Okinawa, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Philippines and Hawaii.  Later in life, he became a self-employed entrepreneur.  He was the co-owner of S & L Enterprises, where they provided services in plastic injection molding, engineering and tooling.  He also owned the Supthin Bait Company that manufactured and sold fishing bobbers to sporting stores across the country.  When his children were in elementary school, he became the co-owner of the Plainfield Gymnastics Center.  It was here that he found his passion for helping children.  Through coaching gymnastics, he was able to help guide and nurture children in life, as well as, gymnastics skills.  He was able to pass down his love of coaching to both of his children.  George is survived by his wife, Chris; daughter, Terra (Kevin) O'Brien; son, Michael (Julie) Smitson; grandchildren, Victoria O'Brien, Taylor and Faith Smitson; great grandchildren, Ezra and Owen Barrett; brothers, Larry (Phyllis) Smitson and Bobby Meadows; sisters, Joyce Brewer and Jackie Sue McGovney; several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Leeland and Emma Smitson; brothers, Rodney Eugene and Kevin Allen Meadows; sister, Sally Ann Mers; grandparents, Robert and Maude Tucker.  Funeral services will be Monday, November 26, at 12:00 pm (noon) in Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home where friends may call from 10:00 am until time of service.  Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.