Mr. Smith was born March 3, 1924, in Olathe, to Thomas and Sadie (Clark) Smith. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1941.

He enlisted in the Merchant Marines in 1941 during World War II. He then enlisted in the Army and was sent to Army Language School. He mastered the German language and was sent to Germany where he served for three years in the Counter Intelligence Corps.

Mr. Smith received an academic diploma from Mesa Junior College in Grand Junction, a bachelor of arts degree from Western State College in Gunnison and his master of arts degree from Chapman College in Orange, Calif.

He taught middle school for 22 years in Nucla, Grand Junction and Santa Maria, Calif. He taught high school social studies and German in Costa Mesa, Calif., for the last three years where he was the golf coach. He was a member of the Methodist church and sang in the choir wherever he lived. For the last 20 years he was a member of Delta Presbyterian Church. He traveled to over 50 countries. He enjoyed classical music and was a lifelong member of the Delta-Montrose Community Concert series. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge (32nd degree) for 61 years and was received into Scottish Rite on May 9, 1953, in Grand Junction.

Mr. Smith is survived by his life partner of 52 years, Norman Campbell; and several nieces and nephews. His name was carried on by a great-great-niece, Caroline Laurence Vincent.

He was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.

Viewing will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. A funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. at Presbyterian Church of Delta with Reverend Alisa Secrest officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Memorial Gardens in Grand Junction.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090 N. 12th Street, Suite B, Grand Junction, CO 81506, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com.

Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.