David "Gene" Smith

December 22, 1931 - March 28, 2012

David Eugene (Gene) Smith was born on December 22, 1931 in Fowler, CO to David K. and Estelle Foss Smith. He was raised and attended schools in the Fowler and Manzanola area. He started farming and ranching at the age of 16 and continued until health problems kept him home bound. Gene married Lois Kiefer on July 20, 1952 at the First United Methodist Church in Rocky Ford and was a member of that church. To this union were born Mike (Darcey) of Palmer Lake, Sheila – deceased, Kevin and Sherri both of Rocky Ford. Grandchildren include Justin Smith, Callie (Justin McWhorter, Piper Smith, Greg Smith, Kiefer Butler and great grandson Evan McWhorter. Gene served two years in the National Guard and two years active duty, including a tour in Germany, with the Rank of Sergeant 1st Class. He is also survived by Brother Kenneth (Helen) Smith of Fowler, sisters-in-law Shirley Conroy of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sharon (Ray) Crist of Pleasant Hill, California, brother-in-law Howard Fowles of Albuquerque, New Mexico, numerous nieces and nephews and special friends MaDonna Seeley and Joan and Vernon Proctor. Preceding him in death was daughter Sheila, parents David K. and Estelle Smith, sister Martha and husband John Bitter, mother and father-in-law Grace and Leslie Kiefer, sister –in-law Charlotte Fowles, nephew Rodney Fowles, niece Jody Keck and special friend Bud Seeley. Memorial Service will be at First United Methodist Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 2nd, with Rev. Olga Hard officiating. There will be no viewing as cremation has been effected. Inurnment will be private at a later time in Hillcrest Cemetery, Rocky Ford, CO. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Valley Hospice, 118 W. 4th La Junta, CO 81050 or First United Methodist Church, 301 W. Washington Rocky Ford, CO 81067. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.