Staff Writer
“All last spring, summer and fall when I’d go for my walk on the road, I was always checking the ditches, hoping to find Darrel’s wallet or some of its contents.” (Barbara Smith, widow of Darrel F. Smith)
Contributed photo
Darrel F. Smith
Thursday, February 6, marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Darrel F. Smith, 56, of Woodland. Smith was discovered dead in his sawmill on the Thomas Road, by his wife, Barbara Smith.
A team of six Maine State investigators, led by Sgt. John Cote, worked through the next several days, interviewing family members and associates of Smith. The investigation remains active but no individual(s) has been arrested and charged with the crime which was ruled a homicide. It was later reported that the well-known Smith had been shot.
“I really and truly believe they (investigators) are trying,” said Barbara Smith. “I keep in touch with the investigators on a regular basis, especially Detective Adam Stoutamyer and they assure me that they’re not going to stop, they want this case solved — not unsolved,” added Smith.
Barbara Smith continued, “After attending the Sept. 25 Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, it made me even more determined to keep my husband, Darrel’s memory alive. He was murdered February 6 and calling hours were held Feb. 10 — his birthday. He would have been 57 years old.”
“This case has not been solved, no one has been arrested or convicted for this senseless death. I have no closure and each and every day seems like that first day following his death,” she added.
“Darrel was such a fun-loving person, loved people and having fun; he was a great tease to all our friends and family. As has been stated in some of the police reports, he was a hard-working man and no one could think of even one enemy he might have had,” stated Mrs. Smith.
She went on to say, “Darrel loved spending time with friends and family playing cards, fishing or whatever. His family was a very important part of his life. Both of his parents are still living and in their 80s, as with all of us, his death has been devastating to them. He grew up on a potato farm and his own work ethic was formed from those early farming days. Darrel also farmed and later started his own sawmill and logging business which he was operating at the time of his death.”
“Although he worked very hard, he could find time for family and friends. Darrel and I did everything together, “ said his wife, “ as I said at his funeral, we were attached at the hip. Some of our greatest joys were the times we spent together at our camp fishing and trips we went on.”
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t shed tears for Darrel,” said the quiet lady. “ He was my love and my life, someday, we all hope to find closure.”
The investigation into the death of Darrel F. Smith remains ongoing. Anyone with any information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Maine State Police.
The family of Smith is offering a $30,000 reward to anyone providing information which results in the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Smith’s death.
