Martel Lee Smith

Martel Lee Smith, 83, of Shelley, passed away December 23, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho. Martel was born December 16, 1941, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Robert Lee Smith and Ina Grace Soelberg Smith. He grew up working on the family farm in Shelley, Idaho, and attended schools in Shelley.

Martel joined the United States Army 101st Airborne Division Jump School in 1959 and received an honorable discharge after serving one tour in Germany. On February 14, 1969, he married Linda Jeanine Swenson in Shelley, Idaho. Martel and Linda made their home in Shelley, where Martel worked primarily as a farmer and refrigeration specialist. Although often burdened by the overwhelming work on hand, if help was needed by family or friends, he would drop everything to help, even if it meant working into the dark of night to complete his own work after. Martel loved farming and working for himself. He was a gifted wood worker and builder.  Family was everything to Martel. He considered spending time with his grandchildren as some of the best times of his life! Martel is survived by his children, Wendy Jo Russell of Castle Rock, WA, Martel (Collette) Smith, II of Shelley, ID, and James Brian (Tania) Smith of Olathe, KS; siblings, LeIna Christensen of UT, Faye (Steve) Fullmer of UT, and Doug (Debra) Smith of Rexburg, ID; 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and three children from a previous marriage, Tony O'Brien, Tracy Carter, and Terry O'Brien. He was preceded in death by wife, parents, and siblings, Lowell Smith, Ariel Smith, Jennings Smith, Weldon Smith, and Nelaia Luthy.