Elmer Ben Smith, Jr.

Elmer Ben "Smitty" Smith Jr., born December 31st, 1922, died peacefully October 13th, 2014, surrounded by his loving wife of sixty-eight years, his children, and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Ben Smith and his mother, Katherine Bradford. Elmer was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, graduating from Central High School in 1940. He was a veteran of the United States Military serving in Guam and the Solomon Islands as a Navy Sea Bee during the Second World War. Upon return to the United States he met and married the love of his life, Betty Janet Harbeck. He and Janet have four children: Karen, Lucky (Elmer), Cathy, and Debbie. We have always known we were blessed with the most magnificent father imaginable. Elmer was a machinist throughout his working career with the M & S Company, which was a business started by his father. Throughout his lifetime, Elmer had a multitude of interests including building and racing stock cars and motorcycle dirt bikes. He was also a member of the Abu Bekr White Horse Patrol when he was younger. He was passionate about learning and instilled the love of reading to all his children and grandchildren. He was also passionate about exercise and maintained an active exercise program throughout his life. Elmer was an avid soccer fan and was seen on the sidelines of local high school and college games throughout his retirement. Our father's greatest time and effort were expended caring and providing for his children. He was phenomenal to all his children, but there are few young men who can truly say their father was their best friend. Lucky and Dad spent countless hours building and maintaining Lucky's motorcycles so he could pursue the sport of motocross racing. Later in life, upon retirement, Elmer and Janet have divided their time and effort with helping raise and encourage all their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Karen and Cy Chesterman with children; Cy Chesterman Jr. and sons, Jacob, Justin, Sam, and Ben, Jay and Jean Chesterman with family, Joslyn and Josh Montagne; Lucky and Patti Smith with daughter, MacKenzie; Cathy and Doug Palmer with children, Ed and Anne Palmer Kellogg with sons, Edward and Louis, Jim and Christen Palmer with daughter, Marcella and son, Winston, Claire Palmer and fiancé Ryan Luttrell; Debbie and Bill Feiges with daughters, Daniella and Sarah Feiges. Our hearts are weeping - we love you, Gramps. Private graveside services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences can be directed to meyerbroschapels.com.