Dallas Leeroy Smith, 88, of Denton, Texas passed away on November 2, 2023, at his home. He was born in Shelton, Washington.

Dallas was an avid mountain climber and skier as a young man. He then served 20 years in the Air Force as a Fighter Interceptor and served during the Korean Conflict, the Cold War and Vietnam. He played a significant role in the 1968 Pueblo Incident in which he intercepted North Korean fighter jets and Russian aircraft, and he served as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam.  He earned numerous awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross and retired with a rank of Lt. Colonel. He traveled extensively and visited more than 50 countries in his lifetime. He was a Third Degree Mason and a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 920.

His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Smith of Denton, daughters, Lynne Willis and her husband Harold, of Grand Prairie, Texas, Kristyne Wahlert and her husband, Andrew of Denton, Texas, sons, Dallas Enlow, and his wife Hannah of Decatur, Texas, and Skye Enlow and his partner Alice of Denton, Texas, brother, Robert Hickock, of California, four grandchildren, Drew Patterson and wife Gabrielle, Henry and Sofia Wahlert and Payzleigh Chenault, and three great-grandchildren, Daniel, Eva and Eden Patterson.   He is predeceased by his late wife, Jackie, and his son Steven.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 6, 2023, from 5-7 PM at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Little Bethel Cemetery in Duncanville, Texas.