Joseph Franklin Smith

Joseph Franklin Smith, 84, passed away on August 14, 2025, in Ogden, Utah, at Avamere Memory Care.

He was born on June 9th, 1941, to Joseph C. and Ruth E. (Thomas) Smith in Kanawha County, West Virginia. He attended Sattias Elementary School, Dunbar Junior High School, and Dunbar High School.

Joseph joined the U.S. Marine Corps in February 1962 and served for four and a half years. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and San Diego, California. He received a M-14 Rifle Expert Badge, .45 Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Joseph earned his GED while in the Marines.

After his discharge from the military, he entered the sheet metal apprentice program. He became an accomplished sheet metal journeyman. He successfully worked his craft with Fred W. Dee Sheet Metal in Los Angeles until he became disabled in 1975.

He married Gloria Lorraine Walters on July 9th, 1966, in La Puente, California. Joseph and Gloria had three daughters: Victoria Lorraine, Valerie Lynn, and Veronica Lee.

Joseph is survived by his wife, of 59 years, Gloria Lorraine; his two daughters, Valerie Johnson and Veronica (Doug) Lindhardt; his seven grandchildren: McKenna Johnson, Emily (Kade) Dalton, Molly, Max, Holden, Bailey, and Harley Stout; his two great-grandsons, Asher Rigby Dalton and Tanner Kade Dalton. Also surviving him are his sisters, Norma Jean Jarrett and Elizabeth Painter, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Victoria Lorraine, his parents, his brothers David Lee Smith and Carl Edward Smith, and his sister, Sallie Ann Martin.

Joseph was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in a variety of callings. He was a self-taught stained glass glazier, avid woodworker, and fisherman. His greatest joy in life was his family.

The family is grateful for the care and support provided by Applegate and Cara Jensen, and for her compassionate and exceptional care of Joseph.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 23rd, at the Rock Church, 10 West Young Street, Morgan, Utah. Viewing will be Saturday, August 23rd, from 9:00 - 10:30 before the 11:00 a.m. service.

Interment South Morgan Cemetery.