Eugene Smith

Eugene Clinton Smith, Jr. was born August 19, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, the second of three children born to Eugene Clinton Smith, Sr. and Gertrude Alvina Shonberger. 

He died August 15, 2025, in his beloved home, surrounded by his family. 

Gene grew up in the harsh reality of the Great Depression. His family moved often throughout Nebraska and Iowa as his father attempted to improve their circumstances by pursuing employment as a pharmacist and newspaper printer. They often lived in the back of the buildings that housed the newspaper shop or drug store providing employment. 

As teenagers, Gene and his brother, Reginald, fibbed about their ages to join the National Guard. He later joined the Air Force and was assigned to Radar training school, where he became an instructor. 

A friend in the Air Force recommended Brigham Young University, saying, "You're religious-you'd like it there." Gene was drawn to the university's Honor Code, which he was already living, and decided to attend. While attending BYU, his roommate, Victor Phillips, devoted time every morning to teaching him the gospel. 

Gene was baptized by Victor on March 22, 1953. Throughout his life, he took every opportunity to share his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His brother and his parents eventually joined him in his faith. 

Gene met his sweetheart, Frankie Lucille Goff, at BYU, in the Joseph Smith Building basement, where they worked together in the food service program. Gene would playfully undo Lucy's apron strings as she went up the stairs carrying trays of food to the faculty serving room. They courted and were married March 19, 1954, in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Gene adored Lucy and was her greatest supporter. He encouraged her in all her pursuits, from completing her degree at BYU and teaching, to establishing her own ceramic and porcelain business, raising Boston terrier puppies, competing at the Utah State fair, and generously feeding everyone who came through their door. One of the things he loved about her was her good cooking (as long as she didn't use onions).

Gene and Lucy had six children who each reflect the values of their parents by the service-oriented, faith-filled lives they live. 

After earning both his bachelors and masters degrees from BYU, Gene dedicated his career to special education and speech therapy. He retired from the Salt Lake School District at age 60, but his work was far from over, as he continued to provide speech therapy for many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 1982, Gene built a log home in West Valley City with the help of his family, particularly his sons, Victor and Bryan. The Smith home became the heart of the "Smith Compound." This special place was surrounded by homes built or renovated by four of Gene and Lucy's six children. It was the site of countless family gatherings, a constant source of hospitality for missionaries, and a temporary home for a number of friends and family members attending college and pursuing other endeavors. It also became home to Gene and Lucy's parents for a time in their senior years.That home echoes with the memories of the good food, laughter, peace, and Christ-like love Gene and Lucy shared with anyone who passed through the doors. 

After completing their own home, Gene began selling log home kits. He eventually passed this business on to his son, Bryan. 

Gene and Lucy cared for their next-door neighbor, Elmer Park. Elmer left them his house upon his death. In 1990, Gene renovated the old brick house for his daughter, Becky. She lived in this beautiful home for many years, with the footsteps of the grandkids echoing through the rooms. It has since housed several other family members.

Gene lived a life of service. He served faithfully in the church in Elder's Quorum presidencies, bishoprics, high council, serving at ward farms, maintaining church property in Wallsburg, and serving in the temple. He also generously served family, friends, ward members, and the community. His dream of serving a mission came true when he and Lucy were called as service missionaries at the LDS Business College. 

Gene loved to go fishing. At one point, he owned a boat, which he and Becky enjoyed taking to local reservoirs. He also enjoyed fishing at Flaming Gorge with Bryan and his family.

Gene planted a beautiful orchard and garden behind the home he built. Gene and Lucy bottled countless bottles of fruit and grape juice from what was grown in the orchard. Later, his son, Shane established a thriving honeybee colony in the orchard. The orchard continues to bless Gene's family today. Gene also enjoyed caring for numerous house plants, including potted violets and a large Christmas cactus. 

Gene always enjoyed having an indoor fish tank. One such tank, built by Victor, was six feet long by three feet high. It was a family favorite until it split open and drained into the family room. Future fish tanks were slightly smaller! Every grandchild and great grandchild has joyful memories of helping Grandpa feed the fish in the living room. Some were even gifted jars of fish to take home for their own fishtanks. 

Gene was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. He was involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren in every phase of life. He was generous with his backyard shop and was always available to help with projects from puzzles and wood projects, to remodeling and house building. Children and grandchildren often went to Gene's home office seeking advice for life's challenges. There they were met with kindness, wisdom, and gentle guidance.

Gene was cared for tenderly by his family during his final years at his beloved home. During this time, he consistently expressed gratitude for the efforts of his children Shannon, Julie, Shane, and their families. He also appreciated visits from Victor, Bryan, and their families. He was grateful for the service of ward members, particularly the young men who would bring him the sacrament, and the young women who would visit him.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Gene/Dad/Grandpa, even for a short moment of time, became a better person because of him. He is a true example of a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Gene's memory lives on with his children Victor (Betty Jo), Bryan (Jerilynn), Julie (Kennie Rasmussen), Shannon (Bret Hardy), and Shane (Julie), his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Gertrude Smith, his sister, Eugenie Orgel, his brother, Reginald Smith, his wife, Lucille, and his daughter, Becky (Tim Lucher).

Services will be held August 22, 2025.

So, I am glad not that my loved one has gone,But that the earth he laughed and lived on was my earth, too,That I had known and loved him,And that my love I'd shown.Tears over his departure?Nay, a smileThat I had walked with him a little while.

Those who wish to livestream the service may do so at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5317431