Gerald Eugene Smith's Obituary
Gerald was born July 10, 1941 in Cabool, Missouri to John “Dearl” and Flossie “Flo” Izola Smith. Gerald passed away November 6, 2022 at 3:10 pm at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Portland, Oregon. Gerald was 81 years old.
Gerald attended several schools for his elementary education, including a “one-room” schoolhouse in Cabool, Missouri. He attended Shasta, Summers Lane and Fairhaven grade schools in Klamath Falls, then Klamath Union High School where he received his high school diploma. Gerald attended and received his Associates Degree in Small Arms Processors Technology – Gunsmithing, from Oregon Technical Institute in 1965.
Gerald moved many times in his younger years, from Missouri to Oregon. In Oregon Gerald lived in Algoma, Klamath Falls, Coquille, Albany, Warren and Saint Helens.
Gerald met his wife, Laura Jean Walters, at a church youth rally. They married September 16, 1966 and made their home in Saint Helens where they adopted two little girls, Tammy and Terri. Gerald became a self-employed building contractor, and did work as a carpenter, cabinet builder, roofer and remodeled homes to support the family. Gerald was the general contractor for several projects, he felt the church buildings on Gable Road were the greatest accomplishment of his career.
Gerald was an active, faithful member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Saint Helens, where he taught the teen and then the adult Sunday school class for many years. Gerald enjoyed gospel music and could be found attending many of the Southern Gospel concerts throughout the United States. He also loved to sing for the Lord, he was the church’s song leader and regularly sang specials at church. In his elder years, Gerald moved his church membership to Cornerstone Baptist Church, Goble, Oregon, where he enjoyed attending services, potluck lunches and handing out Wint-O-Green mints to children and adults alike. He referred to himself as the “The Mint Man.”
Gerald’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, bowling, playing pinochle, and spending time with his grandchildren. In his later years, Gerald especially enjoyed the love and companionship of his dog, Shadow, and many neighbors and friends witnessed their regular walks together.
Gerald is survived by his sister, Janice Joanne Fogle, daughters, Tammy Smith and Terri Hubbard, grandsons, Jesse Gilbert and Derick Gilbert, granddaughter, Kayla Leatherman, great-granddaughter, Lauren Gilbert. Gerald will be greatly missed by numerous nieces, nephews and the St Helens community.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Jean Smith, parents John “Dearl” and Flossie Izola Smith, niece, Mila Keady, son-in law, Shawn Leatherman, and his beloved dog, “Shadow.”
Viewing at Columbia Memorial Funeral Home, St. Helens, OR – Friday, November 18th Private/Family 1:30 pm, Public 2:00 - 4:00 pm.
Funeral at Columbia Memorial Funeral Home, St. Helens, OR – Saturday, November 19th 2:00 pm with meal & fellowship immediately following at Columbia City Community Center, 1850 2nd St, Columbia City, Oregon.
Graveside ~ Burial - Monday, November 21st 2:00 pm at Bethany Memorial Cemetery, 34721 Church Road, Warren, OR.
For those of you not able to attend in person below is a zoom link, we will be streaming the Saturday service.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87122783126?pwd=NEE2OWpXV1ZuSUVhVm9GQVl2OGVtQT09
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