July 13, 1925 - August 18, 2011
Much loved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and long time resident of Central Oregon, Eugene (Gene) V. Smith Sr., died peacefully with his wife and daughters at his side on August 18, 2011, at the age of 86.
Gene was born July 13, 1925, in St. Louis, MO, to Paul Eugene and Maryann Isabel (Smith) Smith.
Gene served his country as a paratrooper in the US Army stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. from Nov. 1943 to May 1946. He was very proud to have served his country.
Gene married Imogene Violet Rowen in July 1945. The couple moved to Culver, OR, in 1948, where they homesteaded 200 acres on undeveloped land. There they achieved success in the business of farming and raised their four children. After retiring from farming, Gene was a self employed businessman involved in real estate and land development, until the time of his death.
Gene made his home in culver with his first wife until 1972. Then in 1983, he married his present wife, Ruth Birtwhistle. They lived in Redmond, OR, snowbirding to Yuma, AZ, in the winter.
He was active in several community organizations as a Babe Ruth and Little League board member, a member of The Elks Lodge, National Farmers Organization and the Culver School Budget Committee.
Gene had many hobbies. He was an avid gardener as can be attested to by the many he shared his bounty with, he was truly passionate about tending to his garden. He enjoyed oil painting by numbers and loved watching baseball. His favorite and most accomplished hobby was shuffle board.
Gene originated the Villa Alameda RV Resort Shuffle Board League and after many years of play and service was awarded by the league a clock stating their appreciation for his leadership of the shuffle board teams. He won many awards as did his team.
Gene was very proud of his involvement in the building of two local sports fields, Dave Jacqua Field and Todd Bowlby Memorial Park, where his vast experience in farming and excavation was called upon for the leveling and rock removal.
Gene is survived by his wife, Ruth (Birtwhistle) Smith; children, Carol (Patrick) Adams, Jess Smith, Eugene "E.V." (Kathy) Smith, Trisha (Richard) Libolt of Dallas, OR., Sharion (Ronald) Rayfield of Bloomsdale, MO; his sister, Mary Lee Bryant of LaGrange, GA; a brother, Bill Mathews of Aibelene, TX; three stepchildren, Joy (Frank) Matthews, Mike (Sandi) Birtwhistle and Gayle (Bill) Mitten; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Imogene (Rowen) Smith; brothers, Bus and John Smith; and his parents.
A graveside service was held for family and friends on August 23, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at Redmond Memorial Cemetery.
Contributions can be made to Partners In Care Hospice House of Bend, OR. Please sign our guestbook www.redmondmemorial.com
