Obituary for Douglas (Skip/Skipper) Gail Smith
On the afternoon of January 04, 2022 Douglas (Skip/Skipper) Gail Smith passed away at SCL Hospital in Miles City, MT. as a result of heart failure due to complications with COVID-19. Skip was 79 years old.
Skip was born in the town of Malta in Phillips County, MT. on February 08, 1942. He was the eldest son of Gail and Myrtle Smith. He was raised in Phillips County, MT on the family farm. He attended Strater country school for his elementary education and attended public schools in Malta, MT.
When he was 18, he joined the US Navy and was stationed in Imperial Beach California where he served as a sonar technician in the airborne helicopter anti-submarine warfare unit. In the height of his military service aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Kearsarge, he was involved in two astronaut recovery missions for NASA. While serving in the US Navy he married his high school sweetheart of 59 years, Sharon Zabel, in July of 1962 in Malta, MT.
Upon leaving the service, he worked for a heating company in Grandview, WA for several years and then moved back to Malta, MT where he took a position as a police officer. He served there for a couple of years and then began his primary career in the propane heating business. He worked for Petrolane for many years and then went to Taylor Soil Service in Shelby, MT and finally purchased his own propane company, Eastern Oregon Propane, in La Grande, OR. After retiring from the propane heating business, he started a new career in real estate and became a broker in Baker City, OR. After his wife’s retirement from the Oregon DMV, they moved to Miles City, MT in 2005.
Skip was very involved with community organizations during his lifetime. He was a member of VFW, Eagles, JC’s, and served as a Montana JC Senator for a year until his induction as a “Exhausted Rooster“.
Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Myrtle Smith of Malta, MT, his brother, Gary Lee Smith of Miles City, MT, and a granddaughter, Megan Lea Sutter of Reed City, MI. He is survived by his wife, Sharon of Miles City; daughter, Lorna (John) Days of Miles City and son, Wesley (Angela) Smith of Fairbanks, AK, his brother Ronald (Elizabeth) Smith of Miles City, MT, his sister Lorna ((Smith/Pray) Jim) Humbert of Malta, Mt. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a family and friends service at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home on Sunday, January 9th, 2022 from 2 – 4PM. Family condolences and personal comments can be sent to stevensonandsons.com.
Donations can be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday January 9, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday January 9, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences for Doug’s family.
Karen Morris says
With deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in happy memories.
Don and Dee Sams says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Ship’s loved ones.
Louise de Montigny says
Dear Sharon, Ron, Liz and families,
My condolences for your loss. I know Skip’s companionship will be greatly missed by you all. You’ve had great adventures and made many happy memories. Peace to you all.
Dixie Rieger says
I am so sorry for your loss. Keep the memories flowing. My prayers are with all of the family.
Jeanne Vetch says
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you.
Vickie Carlier Reid says
Sincere condolences Sharon and all the family. Loving thoughts sent your way. ❤️
Charlotte Miller says
Sharon and all the Smith Family,
Sending my thoughts of friendship and sympathy to each of you at this sad time. Wish I could be there in person to celebrate Skip’s life with you tomorrow.
Sherry Demarais says
Sharon, Lorna Rae, Wes, Ronnie, Liz, Lorna, Jim. We are so sorry. Many hugs and much love.
Darryl and Janet Carlier says
Dearest Sharon and family. We are so sorry to hear about Skipper’s passing. He will be dearly missed by so many. He played such a huge part in the lives of his family and friends.
Love and hugs to all of you. Dear Lord…….please Bless his precious Family. 😘🧡🙏
Sherry Sintler Richardson says
Knew skip most of my life, in fact we went to strayer school Malta Mt. He was a good pusher on the merry go round. Always a jovial soul. My condolences to you Sharon & family .
RIP skip you will be missed.
Sharon Brown says
My deepest love and concern. I’ve known Skip and Sharon my entire life. I’m so saddened by the news. Will keep the family in my thoughts and sending much love.
Ken Jones says
So very sad to learn of Skips passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with, and for you.
John and Sandy Duty says
So sorry for your loss, lots of good memories though, thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
BARB AND RICK Shields says
Sharon and Lorna
So sorry to hear about Doug. Our prayers are with you.
Jerry & Loretta Larsen says
Saddened to receive news of Skip’s passing. Our memories we will cherish. Our thoughts and prayers be with you.
Eddy and Sandy Hanson says
Our prays are with Sharon and family, and with Ronald and Lorna and families.