R.D. Smyers

R.D. Smyers was born August 22, 1931, in Allen, Oklahoma, to Clyde and Callie Smyers, later moving to California. He passed away on March 1, 2023, at the Kaiser Hospital in Fresno surrounded by his family.

He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. After serving, he later joined the Hanford Police Department in Jan of 1953 and briefly served with the Las Vegas PD. He was promoted to Captain of Hanford PD in 1971 and was chosen as Peace Officer of the Year in 1980. He was instrumental in the development of the Secret Witness Program as well as the Hanford Little League complex. He retired from the Hanford Police Department in April, 1982.

R.D. married the love of his life, Joyce Mulford Smyers December 15, 1967, and to this union 2 sons were born, Kevin Smyers and Eric Smyers, both of Hanford. He enjoyed camping and fishing trips with family and friends to the mountains and ocean. He truly loved his mountains. He also coached many years for his sons teams and for the many others who were treated like sons. He will always be remembered for his kindness, his dedication, and his compassion for being a positive influence. His words may have been few but they carried much weight when he felt the need to speak.

R.D. was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Callie, his brothers William Smyers, Billy Smyers, Clyde Smyers, Jr and sister Edna Cadwell..

R.D. is survived by his loving wife Joyce of 55 years, his sons Kevin (Diana), and Eric (Keisha), and his grandchildren Kayla and Kali Smyers, and Kasey Smyers, all of Hanford.

Grave site burial services for family and close friends will be by Peoples Funeral Home on March 17, 2023, 12pm, at Grangeville Cemetery.