Stephen Smith

Stephen Joseph Smith died Tuesday, February 1, 2011 in his home in Porterville, Utah.

Steve was born in Porterville on October 16, 1923 to Pearl Mikesell and Joseph Smith, he is the 3rd child of six. He is survived by one brother Don and Sam Smith of Ogden. Steve married his sweetheart Loraine Ashton on April 9, 1944. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City temple on May 11, 1959. Steve and Loraine had 9 children, George Smith, Heber City; Richard and Stephanie Bates, Soap Lake, WA; Melvin and Dorle Smith Ephrata, WA; Mac and Vicki Walker, Morgan; Jody and Jannine Smith Vernal; Mona Smith (Deceased), Chris and Blanche Chournos, Morgan; Joel and Glenda Smith, Green River, WY; Steve and Lynelle Rich, Morgan; Daughter-in-law Linda Davis. They have 50 Grandchildren, 106 great grandchildren with 3 due this year, 2 great great grandchildren; Steve and Loraine opened their home to numerous nieces and nephews and one dear friend Stonewall Pentz.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, one daughter, one grandson and 2 great grandsons.

Steve and Loraine bought a small farm in Porterville in 1956 to raise their family on. After their children left home they raised and raced quarter horses. Steve started working when he was 4 years old running a Jackson Fork and worked for the rest of his life. He worked for the CCC at 15 operating a bulldozer. He met Alf Egan and worked with him creating the ski runs for Snowbasin and Alta.

Steve enlisted in the 517th Parachute Regiment and was attached to the 101st and 82nd airborne. He served in WWII fighting in D Day, the Battle of the Bulge, Holland, Africa, and Italy.

He was employed after his military service at Holcim cement plant for 39 years, and moved a mountain. He also worked other part time jobs, custom farming, herding sheep, repairing farm equipment, and operating heavy equipment.

Although Daddy lived in a house his heart existed in the outdoors. He knew and understood mountains, streams, and nature, he hunted, fished, snow shoed, horsed packed, and camped. He instilled a respect and compassion for Gods Creations in all of his children. Steve loved serving in the Scouting Program in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his sons. He also served in the Elders Quorum. He was a commander in the Jeep Patrol (Search and Rescue) and served in other positions for many years.

The family wishes to extend loving thanks to Lisa from Hospice of Utah.

Funeral services will be held Saturday Feb. 5, 2011 at 12 noon in the Morgan 5th Ward Chapel, 2700 So. Morgan Valley Drive, Porterville. Friends and family may call at Walker Mortuary in Morgan, Friday Feb. 4, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.

Interment, South Morgan Cemetery.