Eugene S Smith

Eugene S. Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2012. Gene was born Mar. 17, 1924 in Brigham City, Utah to Samuel W. and Letitia John Smith and was the youngest of 13 children. He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gene served his country in the United States Marine Corps in Iwo Jima during WWII and the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War as a staff sergeant, where he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star for outstanding leadership in the face of the enemy, and was recommended for the Korean Distinguished Service Cross. On Apr. 14, 1948 Gene married Evelyn Sorensen. They were blessed with a daughter, Alayne. Later Divorced. Gene married LaRae Thompson July 24, 1973. Four children were born from this union: Eugene, twins Michael and Letitia and Heather. They were sealed as a family in the Jordan River Temple along with LaRae's two children Todd and Teri Crowther from a previous marriage. The marriage ended in divorce and he married his current wife Sheila Mae Williamson. Gene loved books, was an avid reader and successful award-winning salesman. He also loved to travel. He is survived by his wife Sheila, children Alayne (Brad) Sutherland of Ogden; Eugene (Marcela), West Valley; Michael (Jayna), L.A. Calif; Letitia (Trevor) Erickson, Bountiful; and Heather, West Valley; 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Garden Terrace and his hospice nurse Steve Booth with Superior for the kind and special care for Gene and his wife. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 at Crescent 12th Ward, 89 East 11000 South, Sandy. Viewing will be Wednesday evening, Feb. 1, 2012, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Thursday Feb. 2, 10 a.m. - 10:45 prior to service at 11 a.m. Interment following services in Portage, Utah at 3:30 p.m.