Eugene Ren Smart Jr.

Eugene Ren Smart Jr, known affectionately as Gene, lived a life full of purpose, passion, and unwavering faith. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a successful businessman who left a lasting impact on the lives of everyone he touched. Gene passed away peacefully on April 19, 2023 in Spokane, Washington, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 2, 1944 in Santa Monica, California, Gene was the eldest of six children born to Eugene Smart Sr, and Betty Elaine Keller. He grew up in Boise, Idaho and the surrounding towns of Nampa, Payette and Weiser, graduating from Weiser High in 1962. Following graduation, he attended Boise College before serving a Mission to the New England States from 1963 to 1965.

Gene’s early career consisted of retail sales, including Sears and Kmart. At Kmart he worked as the manager of the Appliance Department. In 1969, he was transferred to Fairfield, California where he became the Appliance District Manager. In 1977, he left Kmart and launched his own store back in Boise called Appliance Village. In 1989, Gene joined Western Wireless, where he played a pivotal role in developing subsidiary companies in the paging and cell phone industry. He went on to become the general manager of several of these businesses, including Voice Stream which is now T-Mobile. He worked in the telecommunications industry until retiring in 2004.

Gene cherished his family above all else. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Michaelyn Kay Showman and together they raised their six children. Gene was a devoted father and grandfather, attending his children and grandchildren's sporting events and recitals whenever possible. He was a man of many talents and interests and was the ultimate jokester. He had a passion for the great outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, hunting, golfing and working on cars. He had a talent for cooking and was famous for his delicious fudge and crepes, always a hit with family and friends. Gene loved their log home on the lake. He cherished the endless gatherings with family and friends - boating, water sports, fireworks, kids and chaos, creating unforgettable memories for a lifetime.

Gene will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, generosity and sense of humor, leaving a legacy of love and commitment to his family, friends, and community. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his spirit and memory will live on forever.

Gene is survived by Mikie, his loving wife of nearly 53 years, his six children: Kelli Smart, and Jill (Harry) Ward (by his first wife Jane Patten), Jenne (Jeremy) Kissell, Christopher (Candy) Smart, Carrie (Jade) Dawson, Matthew (Annabelle) Smart; 14 grandchildren and 4 siblings: Jerry (Jane) Smart, Randy (Susan) Smart, Dean (Mary) Smart, and Kathleen (Marty) Braden. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Leon Smart.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 27th, at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 5001 W Shawnee, Spokane, WA. The service will be live-streamed and available to watch via the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/RwtyDo5q76k?feature=share

A graveside service will follow at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 29th at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise, Idaho.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Smart family.