Wade Richard Smith

Richard was born on April 15, 1938 to Wade and Dolores Smith in Peoria, Illinois. After high school and college, he joined the military in 1961. He served our country as Army Sergeant E5/psychological warfare and was a member of the Army Reserves until 1967.

Richard made his career in the printing industry where he was a partner in Modern Color Printing, Inc. for many years until he retired. He enjoyed the business and the people he worked with.

He adored his family. He had a strong, yet most comforting presence with a sense of wit and humor that could catch you off guard in the best of ways. He had a passion for aviation that began as a child flying with his father. He continued to pursue his love of flying by becoming a private pilot and flying with his children and grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Wade Edwin and Dolores, as well as sisters Della and Diane. He is survived by siblings Gary, Steven, George, Joseph, Don and Jeanette; children Wade Jr., Sherry Crawford, Holly Kitchens; grandchildren Wade III, Stephen, Alec, Cameron, Breanna, Katrina; great granddaughters Addison, Chandler, Piper and Hali. In his faith and family he lives on.

Graveside services will be held at Valley of the Sun Cemetery on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice At Home of Arizona by calling 480-478-0643.