Vernon Jack Smith

Vern Smith(Vernon J. Smith) passed away October 8, 2017 at the age of 80. “Smitty” was born June 22, 1937 in Grand Junction, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford Thurman and Elizabeth Frances Stevens Smith and his brother, James Burdett. Vern married the love of his life, Frieda M Lowry on march 27, 1965. They had four children, Kim Clinton and spouse, Greg, Misty Dalke and spouse, Jeff, Myke Smith and Michelle Koomsa. He has 11 grandkids, Jamie, Niki, J. D. and Rebecca, Andrew, Thomas and Laramie, Rachel, Lindsay, Brittney and Aubrey and 14 great grandkids. Vern joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and served 32 years. He received numerous awards including small arms expert marksmanship and the Bronze Star. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he worked with the American Legion and Disabled American Vets to help obtain rights and benefits for all vets and military members. He loved his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. They were the light of his life. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Bill Merritt Memorial Chapel with full Military honors at the interment in Memorial Park Cemetery.