Jack Smith

Jack Smith, a longtime resident of Meeker, passed away at his home on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the age of 92. Jack was born on February 11, 1930 in Eugene, Oregon. He was the son of Joseph Henry and Emma Myria (Martin) Smith. Jack was one of eight children. When Jack was young, he moved with his family to the Jacktown area, where he attended school in a one room schoolhouse up until the eighth grade.  After the eighth grade he went to work and later obtained his GED.

Jack proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He later went to work at the Tinker Air Force Base, where he enrolled the apprentice machinist program. He quickly mastered the skill and he worked his way up to being one of Tinker's most skilled machinists.

Jack loved to be outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish. He particularly loved to hunt quail. He raised cattle, bird dogs, quail, fighting chickens and other birds. Jack was also an avid story teller. He loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen.

Jack's true passion was his family. Jack married Joyce Emily Keel on May 8, 1952 in Meeker. The couple made their home in Meeker, where they raised five children. Jack spent many hours coaching little league teams of all ages, watching his children and grandchildren compete and succeed both on and off the field. Jack's interest in his community, led him to serve for fifteen years on the Meeker School Board.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 59 years, Joyce Emily Smith and one son, Randy Smith and two brothers and four sisters.

He is survived by four children, Richard Smith and his wife, Carrie, Sharon Gardner, Freddie Smith and his wife, Tammy and Darla Borden and her husband, Tracy; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Smith; thirteen grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one sister Carol McQuerry, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Monday, October 31, 2022 at the Family of Faith Church in Meeker. Burial will immediately follow at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker. The family will accept guests from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Prague. An online guestbook is available at www.parksbrothers.net.