Roy Dean Smith was born on March 12, 1929 to John and Wilma Smith in Waverly, Kan. He was the oldest of four children. His early years were spent on the family farm. Later the family moved to McPherson, Kan., where Dean graduated from high school. Dean was baptized as a young man and devoted his life to serving the Lord.
Dean married Velda Mary Largent on Nov. 24, 1946 in Wichita, Kan. They started their lives together in McPherson and were together for 49 years. After Velda’s passing he moved to Globe, Ariz., where at a bible study, he met Doris Obermeyer. They were married on Jan. 15, 2000. Dean passed peacefully, holding her hand.
To support his brood of six children he held various management jobs in sales and mining. He started his management career with Woolworth’s stores in Kansas, then moved to Nebraska and Utah. He transitioned from sales to mining warehouse management in 1960. He managed warehouses in Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico. Dean enjoyed purchasing, rebuilding and racing cars. During his lifetime he owned, fixed and sold 112 vehicles. He was always willing and able to lend a hand to anyone who needed help in auto repair. He was an avid collector of watches, pens, shoes and hats.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, John and Wilma; a sister Phyllis Charlene; wife Velda; and one daughter, DeeAnn. He is survived by his wife Doris, his siblings Colonel John M Smith Ret US Army (Karen) and Cheryl Lynn Brazell (Richard), his children Randy (Leetha); Jere (Jeff); Karen (Marc); Kimber (Bobby); Linell (Greg) and Dennis (Cindy). He was blessed with 18 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Dean’s 89 years were full of family, church family, many friends and laughter. He will be greatly missed. Heaven’s choir has gained a beautiful bass voice. Donations can be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society, Inc.
