Lee Smith

Lee Melburn Smith, 89, formerly of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away January 19, 2015, at the VA Nursing Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lee was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the youngest son of Henry Melton Smith and Myrtle Sykes Smith. He attended York Elementary School and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. Lee, who was a Corporal in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II, served as a radio operator in a B29. Following his military service he graduated from Idaho State University. On April 5, 1950, he married Billie Maxine Hinds in Elko, Nevada. Lee and Maxine were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on their 30th wedding anniversary in 1980. He and Maxine made their home in Idaho Falls, where they raised their three children, Lee Jr., Paula, and Michael. Lee was a loving father that enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and water skiing with his wife and kids. He coached his sons in Little League Baseball with his cousins, Frank and Nita. He was a longtime member of the Democratic Party, Elks Lodge, and Civitan Club of Idaho Falls. Lee is from a family of entrepreneurs that included farmers, businessmen and health care professionals. For many years Lee was a partner in Ken Garff Furniture and for twenty eight years Lee owned and operated Lee's Furniture & Carpets on 17th Street in Idaho Falls. Lee brokered freight until retirement at age 78 from LCS Enterprises, where he worked with his son Lee Jr. Lee is missed for his wit, charm, and wise insightful perspective of life. Lee is survived by his children, Lee Melburn Smith Jr of Boise, ID, Paula Carlyle Smith Hayes of Ouray, CO, and Michael Shane (wife Debi) Smith of Highlands Ranch, CO. He adored his four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Billie Maxine Smith (Hinds) and three brothers, Billie, Raymond and Lester Smith. Memorial Services for Lee, followed by Graveside Services in Grant-Central Cemetery, will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015. To communicate with family and / or get details of the memorial services, contact Mike Smith at msmith.vision{at}gmail.com.

Memorial Services will be held

Monday, January 19, 2015 Grant Central Cemetery 154 North 3300 East Rigby, Idaho, Jefferson 83442 Notes: Memorial Services for Lee, followed by Graveside Services in Grant-Central Cemetery, will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015.