Obituary: Harry Raymond Smith

Harry Raymond Smith 1917 ~ 2006 Harry Raymond Smith, age 88, passed away April 14, 2006, in Kaysville, Utah. Harry was born August 20, 1917 in Vernal, Utah to Charles Franklin and Martha Jane Bird Smith, and grew up in Bluebell, Utah. He was drafted into the army during World War II and served his country in the South Pacific. He was decorated with the Silver Star, awarded for bravery in combat. After the war, Harry served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission. There he met Esther Burgener, a missionary in a neighboring mission. After their missions they courted, became engaged, and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple October 6, 1949. Harry served in the Church his whole life, including callings in the High Council and bishopric, with over 23 years as a scheduled worker in the Salt Lake Temple. He was faithful to the end of his life. Harry and Esther had six children, 29 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren with three more on the way at the time of Harry's death. Harry had a great sense of humor, and loved to spend time laughing, working, and playing with his family. He was very mechanical and could fix anything that went wrong around the house or with the cars. He was an exemplary father and created many memories for his children. He worked in the trucking industry until retirement, most of that time with IML Freight, then drove school bus for the Salt Lake City School District for several years until he retired again. Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; by his son, Kevin; and by his only sibling, Frank. His living children are, Ray (Debbie) of Orem; Melanie (Alan) Carlston of Colorado Springs; Gaylen (Jennie) of Kaysville; Weldon of Salt Lake City; and Sterling (Julie) of Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 20, at the Rose Park Stake, located presently at 874 N. Star Crest Drive (1840 W., Salt Lake City) at 11 a.m. Friends and family of Harry may visit the evening before from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, in Salt Lake City, and from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church building prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens cemetery. Online condolences: www.larkinmortuary.com