Howard "Smitty" Paul Smith

April 17, 1924 - July 2, 2013

Mr. Howard Paul (Smitty) Smith, 89, of Rocky Ford died Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013 peacefully at his residence. Smitty was born in Rocky Ford, CO on April 17, 1924, the son of the late William Alfred and Nellie Mae (West) Smith. He joined the Navy and finished his schooling at the Radio School. Smitty was the husband of Helen Smith, they were married on July 29, 1946 in Clayton, NM. She survives of the home. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman 2nd Class in WW II. Smitty retired as an Electrician at Pott Electric, Rocky Ford, CO after 37 years, retiring in 1986. Smitty had also worked at the Rex and the Grand Theater as Manager and helped build Liberty and Washington school, after completion of the schools he went to work for Pott Electric. He was a charter member of Westside Christian Church now Westside Bible Church in Rocky Ford, CO, serving on the building committee and served as a Deacon for numerous years. He is survived by his wife, Helen of the home; Son Dennis husband of Cindy Smith of Swink, CO; Son Russell Smith of Redondo Beach, CA; Son Greg husband of Kendra Smith of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Becky wife of Mark Osborn of Rocky Ford, CO. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Stephanie (Bryan) Fritz of Arvada, CO, Jeff Smith of Arvada, CO, Luke (Melissa) Smith of Falcon, CO, Lance Smith of Huizhou, China, Adam Smith of Rocky Ford, CO, Mason Smith of Rocky Ford, Sarah (Arnold) Clem of Denver, CO, Braden Farmer of San Francisco, CA, Brooke (Mike) Pizzo of Las Vegas, NV, Barrett (Hannah) Farmer of Austin, TX, Blake Farmer of Las Vegas; 8 great-grandchildren, Rachel, Naomi, Hunter Fritz, Chays, Caevan Smith, Madison, Sofia, Rockwell Pizzo and numerous nieces and nephews. Smitty was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers: Harold, Robert, Bill Smith; 1 sister: Gladys Rasco A Memorial Service will be at Westside Bible Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 10:30 AM on Monday, July 22nd. There will be no viewing as cremation has been effected. Inurnment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Rocky Ford, CO. Family request donations to Arkansas Valley Hospice, 531 Lewis La Junta, CO 81050. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.