Darron Lee Smith, 54, of Meridian, Idaho, succumbed to his courageous battle with cancer, and passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on January, 5, 2023. He fought valiantly, as was the signature of his life, but finally recognized the call of his Captain’s voice and willingly submitted to His summons home.
Darron was born on February 9, 1968, in Philadelphia, PA, to Leslie Ray Smith, of Pocatello, ID, and to Lois Ann Call Smith, of Salt Lake City, UT. He was raised with his family in Delran, NJ for most of his childhood. He lost both of his parents during his high school years and subsequently bounced around the country until his passing. He has lived either with relatives, friends, on his own, or with his own family, in NJ, UT, CA, NV, AZ, and ID. He stepped up during his family’s crisis and helped to raise some of his younger siblings while he was still just a kid, himself.
Darron attended Delran High School in NJ, Provo High School and Timpview High School in UT, Foothill High School in Santa Ana, CA, and was welcomed back by his Delran High School friends to graduate. He attended Rick’s College in Rexburg, ID, now Brigham Young University, Idaho, and graduated from UNLV with a degree in English Literature. He successfully completed a full-time, two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Taejon, Korea, which he self-financed. He spoke Korean fluently and beautifully. He married Jill Hansen on December 19, 2006, in Lake Tahoe, NV and they were sealed on April 3, 2015, in the LDS Boise, Idaho Temple.
Darron was a humorous man of deep intellect, with a sharp wit and a laser tongue. He was never short of an opinion on any topic, which he could wordsmith vocally and in writ both pointedly and eloquently. He was a hard worker and a life-long entrepreneur, creating numerous jobs and business opportunities for himself. It was a challenge he enjoyed, believing that no challenge should ever go unanswered. Darron loved basketball and would play anytime and anywhere. He also loved music. He loved to sing and write songs, which he would teach to others everywhere he went. He was a tough guy with a heart of gold. He would give the shirt off his back to someone in need, and often did, especially to his family. He would do anything for them, support them, protect them, and defend them at all costs.
In response to all that life had to throw at him, his personal motto, which he taught to his children, was, “WE DON’T QUIT!”
Darron is survived by his wife, Jill Hansen Smith, and their six children: McKenna (Nathan) McGrew, Riley Smith, Declan Smith, Dallan Simmons, Jaleese (Joshua) Schouman, Kaili (Chase) Morris, and by his five grandchildren: Charlie McGrew, Presley Schouman, Xavier Schouman, Mabel Morris, and Molly Morris.
He is also survived by his nine siblings: Adam (RaeLynn) Smith, Monica Smith, Tony Smith, Loni (Kirtis) Schneider, Kurt Smith, Tiffani (Ken) Mead, Don Smith, Mark (Erin) Smith, and Danielle Smith, as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins as numerous as the sands of the sea.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the LDS Chapel, 2555 South Stoddard Road, Meridian, ID. There will be a family gathering at 9 am in the same building preceding the funeral a graveside service will be held directly following the funeral at the Meridian Cemetery, 895 E. Franklin Rd., Meridian, ID. Services handled by Bowman Funeral Home of Boise, ID. To watch the service, please visit: https://vimeo.com/789783883
On the day of his funeral, if you live within a 25-mile radius, please wear life jackets, as there will be no shortage of tears shed for the loss of this great man. And bring a boat!