Keith Smith

Keith Perry Smith, 85, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2009 at a local medical center. He was born May 23, 1923 in Riverdale, Idaho the second of five children born to Perry Walker and Delphia Mecham (Packer) Smith. Keith enlisted into the US Army on January 10, 1944, serving his country during WWII in the 101st Airborne Division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne and was honorably discharged January 16, 1946. He married Dixie Lee McCombs September 1, 1951 in Riverdale, Idaho and together they had three children: Kleas, Michael and Kenton. He was employed by the UPFE in the winter and on a farm in Riverdale in the summer. Keith retired from the UPFE as a car distributor in 1983. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He always planted a beautiful garden. Keith enjoyed golfing and may other outdoor sports including snow skiing, baseball, hunting, fishing and walking. Keith was very competitive and would do almost anything to win. He loved passing time with friends at the Tee Box and enjoyed visiting with all the patrons. He was a very honest man and hard working and patriotic. He was a devoted family man who loved to play with his kids, taking them fishing, and participating with youth sports including baseball, golf and skiing. He is survived by his wife, Dixie Lee Smith, children, Kleas (Stuart) Wray, Michael Smith and Kenton Smith, all of Pocatello; four sisters, Thelma Horton, Reva Smith, Roma (Boyd) Warr and Patsy (Calvin) Kessler; eight grandchildren, Michelle, Danielle, Jared, Garvett, Kendi, Jeremy, Travis and Trevor, two great grandchildren, Joshua and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Johnny Creek Ward, 5425 Bannock Hwy. The family will meet with friends and relatives from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery with military rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. Fourth Ave, Pocatello.