Keith Dwayne Smith of Meridian, Idaho, returned home to his Heavenly Father on August 10th, 2023 after a battle with cancer attributed to his military service.
Keith was born and raised in Wenatchee, Washington. After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force to serve his country during the Vietnam conflict. He was stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah and in Thailand. As a supply clerk, he received accommodation for the work he did to improve the organization and efficiency of his warehouse. The skills and experience he learned in the Air Force would serve him well as he transitioned to civilian life and went to work in retail sales.
Keith worked for the Safeway company in Seattle, Washington and it was there that he met Jackie Brooks. Jackie had four children ranging in ages from 10 to 3 years old so to take her as his wife was to take on an entire family, and he did so gladly. His career progression with Safeway took him to Boise, Idaho and then to Elko, Nevada. When he returned to Boise, he joined Fred Meyer. He spent over 20 years with them during which he held several managerial positions and worked in locations in Boise and Pasco, Washington. Upon his retirement, a long time friend and former work colleague invited him to join Peterson Motors as a courtesy van driver which he eagerly accepted. Through his entire career, Keith enjoyed working with the public and meeting new people.
Keith found joy in his family and that joy was magnified when he became a grandfather. Over his life he enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, camping, watching BSU football and just sitting and talking with his children and grandchildren.
Keith is preceded in death by his wife Jackie whom he was married to for over 50 years; his parents, several aunts, uncles, and siblings-in-law. He is survived by the four children he raised as his own: daughters Penny and Kim; sons William (Bill) and Brent. He has three sisters, Sandy, Tressa and Mardel and one brother, Bobby, 15 grandchildren,16 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Funeral services for Keith will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 7135 N Linder Road, Meridian, ID on August 26th, 2023 at 11:00 am. There will be an open house at the same location on Friday, August 25th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or a veterans organization.
A private family burial will take place at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery