Les Smith

Leslie Swen Smith, 71, of Idaho Falls, passed away on November 26, 2017. Les was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandkids--he would have had it no other way. Les was born May 15, 1946, at Teton Valley Hospital in Driggs, Idaho. He was born to George Albert and Dora Ellen LaFever Smith. He was the second of four children, all of whom preceded him in death. Les cherished his genealogy, was an attentive son and brother to his family of origin. Les recounted many fond stories of grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins too numerous to name here. At age six, Les moved to his HOME in Iona. Here Les learned to value hard work and sacrifice on a poultry farm. He also shared many stories of playing in the fields and hills surrounding his childhood home. Les loved The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "My very best friend is Jesus Christ, who is the most real and true friend humanity has ever had. I'm never lonely because of prayer to Heavenly Father in the name of my friend, Jesus." Les served an honorable mission in Alaska and British Columbia. He cherished his faith and served in many capacities in the Church. Les' second best friend was his eternal companion, Nancy (Heuer) Smith. Les met Nancy at age 10. At age 15, they were assigned as dance partners at a church festival. He counted this as the first of many dates. They would continue weekly date nights with their dear friends throughout their nearly 50 years of marriage. Les and Nancy were married for eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on October 11, 1969. Les and Nancy had five children, (their eldest, Anthony Wade, preceded him in death). His surviving children are Georgiann Smith of Idaho Falls, Jabez (Kerri Jo) Smith of Idaho Falls, Ethan (Brittany) Smith of Iona, and Wyatt Smith of Idaho Falls. Les is remembered by his children for his honesty, his work ethic, his love of nature, sightseeing, traveling, animals, scouting, church service, music, singing, art, snow blowing, fine chocolate, fresh fruit, good bread thick with butter, but especially his devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Jadyn, Kailee, Londyn, Lorenzo, Nancy and Erin. Les was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Taylor, Molly and Natalie. Grandpa Les loved reading to his grandkids, taking trips to the garbage dump with them, hugging and doting on them. He was a valiant grandfather. Les was a Democrat, and he was proud to be an American. He never missed an opportunity to vote his conscience. Les was an avid teacher and journaler. His written and spoken word will serve to inspire and educate his progeny for generations. Les abhorred bullying, discrimination and dishonesty of any kind. He was a principled man. A righteous man. Les Smith was a wonderful human who will be terribly missed. Les' legacy will live on forever. "I grew up to become fairly weird. I am happily weird. I love myself, God, and my family. It's taken me a lifetime to get the order right." Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2017, at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge). The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the services, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in Iona Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held