John Franklin Smith passed away in Meridian, Idaho on July 18th, 2020, due to Corona Virus. He was born November 19th, 1937 in Lemmon, South Dakota to Frank Emil Smith and Della Barone who both preceded him in death.
John served in the US Marine Corps from 1954-1958. After leaving the Corps, John made Miles City, MT his home for the next 30 years. During that time, John began his truck driving career. During his 30 plus years of driving professionally he was afforded the opportunity to travel through pretty much all of North America, including Alaska. He hauled everything from crates to some of the heaviest equipment a tractor-trailer can haul.
John married Connie Coughlin Anderson in September of 1974. He retired to Boise with Connie when his trucking days ended. They were married for 43+ years, until Connie passed away on April 25, 2018.
He leaves behind; daughters Cidre Sivils (Ed) of Helena, Montana, Karlene Williams (Matt) of Boise, Idaho, Lehni McChesney of Missoula, Montana and Kelly Smith (Michelle Thornell) of Salt Lake City, Utah, sons Larry Smith (Lou) of Cotton, Minnesota, Stephen Smith and Jeremi Schlader (Kiley) of Middleton, Idaho; grandchildren Andie & Colton Sivils, Kaylan, Sierra & Corbin Williams, Victoria Beauchamp, Laura Quinonez, Maddie & Mason Schlader; seven great grandchildren, four siblings, Fern Vonderheide, Melvin, Yvonne, & Frank Smith all of Billings, Montana and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Connie Smith, son Kenneth Smith and siblings Irene Gribble and Donald Smith
A service will take place in Miles City, Montana, on Friday, August 14th, 2020, 10:00am at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
10:00 AM
Friday August 14, 2020
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
10:00 AM
Friday August 14, 2020
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Ginger & Joe Kiel says
Cidre and family…We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. We have many great memories of your dad and Joe’s telling the whopper trucker stories of their many adventures at United Beverage. He is the last of the “ hoodlums” to pass on. I am sure there is quite the reunion in Heaven . He was quite the character! Sincere sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
Tom and Robin Kiel says
We are sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was the best man at our wedding almost 42 years ago. Our thoughts are with you all