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Sherman Smith Obituary
A graveside service will be held at the Cooper Landing Cemetery a 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 19, 2013.
Red was born in Madison, South Dakota on December 14, 1923 to Sherman Clayton Smith Sr. and Lillian May Hanneman. He was raised in the Rio Grande Valley towns of Mission, La Feria, and Brownsville, Texas.
After graduating from La Feria High School he moved to California and joined the U.S. Marines, serving from 1941 to 1945. He was a member of the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion in the South Pacific. After an honorary discharge, Red attended college at the University of California, Berkley, graduating with a bachelor's degree in geology in 1949.
Red first came to Alaska in the summer of 1948 and returned to stay in 1949. He married Mardelle Minnette Shepherd in Cooper Landing August 12, 1950 and made his home there since. Red and Dell raised their family in Cooper Landing at their home on the Kenai Lake. Red built the original Kenai Lake Lodge, worked as a registered big game guide, owned a sawmill, worked construction, and worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer and the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
Red was a published poet and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and prospecting in the great Alaskan outdoors. He was a supporter of gun rights and believed strongly in upholding the U. S. and Alaskan Constitutions.
Sherman C. "Red" Smith was preceded in death by his first wife of 30 years, Mardelle Smith; and first son Sherman Clayton Smith, III. He is survived by children Larry (Cynthia) Smith, Joseph "Dan" Smith, Timothy (Elyse) Smith, Pixie Smith, and Sherman C. "Clay" Smith IV; and Clay's mother Lynda K. Smith; grandchildren Tim (Lora) Smith Jr., Laurie (Gabriel) Chavez, Michelle (Joey) Wicker, Matthew Smith, Mikala (Neil) Fulsang, Chelsey, Jessica, and Nikolas Smith, Tiffany (Josh) Holly, and Ashley Smith; three great-granddaughters, Alessandra, Milan, and Elena; and sister Dara Kaupp; nephew, Mike (Patricia) Mitchell, and niece, Lillian (Roger) Dorcas.
Memorial donations can be made in Red's name to the Cooper Landing Community Club, P.O. Box 508, Cooper Landing, AK 99572.
Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Please visit Red's online guestbook at www.alaskanfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sherman Smith
Michael Nguyen
January 3, 2019
He told me that once he forgot himself and his heart opened like a door with a loose latch and everything fell out. And he tried for days to put it all back in the proper order, but finally he gave up and left it there in a huge pile and loved everything equally. Thank you Red. Semper Fi
Michael Nguyen
February 24, 2017
Thank you Red, for allowing me to camp in your "backyard", which happens to be on the side of the Chugach Mtn. Thank you Red, for letting me use your tools, scrap metals, and bones to create sculptures. Thank you Red, for introducing Max. He was a great companion on long hikes. Thank you Red, for sharing your wonderful poems. I truly miss our meals together, listening to your poems and stories. Thank you Red, for instilling your patriotic belief in me... Semper Fi. Thank you Red!
Jon & Linda Fox
January 21, 2014
We just learned of Red's passing and he will be greatly missed. It was a privilege to know him.
Dale Bagley
December 16, 2013
During my time on the Borough Assembly and as Mayor, Red left us with many words of wisdom and some poetry. I will miss Red's many visits and conversations on a wide variety of issues. Semper Fi
And to the family I offer my condolences and wish you the best during this time of loss.
Terry Brady
December 14, 2013
Red was a "true patriot", a talented poet, and a superb outdoorsman. So Long and Semper Fidelis good friend.
Ed & Kathleen Martin
December 14, 2013
Goodbye old friend! You have left us for that place all of us wish to go some day. Your Deeds here were many and of some that may never be known but unselfishly were given. For you Red, we will always remember your Strength, Wisdom, Love and Guidance as Our family will benefit for eternity. We will miss you dearly. Your Stories, Laughter, and Advice you gave made us part of you forever. Your soul carried the "Alaskan pioneer spirit" every where you went. Few will be known to have that much love for the Great Land. It would be honest to say you made a lasting impression on many. We give with love our deepest sympathy to the Smith Family's lost of Red Smith. It's a Honor to have known this American Marine Raider God Bless you Red!
December 13, 2013
My Sincere Sympathy.
Betty J Fuller
Cooper Landing, Alaska
Bruce Jaffa
December 13, 2013
I met Red at his gas station in 1975. From the begining it was clear there was more to Red than met the eye. I enjoyed discussing a wide range of topics with him and feel my life is richer having spent time with him. Go with God my friend. I am sure he will enjoy your advice and remember our contract I agreed to per your request.
Ron Long
December 13, 2013
Red was a mentor to me in many ways, maybe even unintentionally. I will value his advice and wise words even more now. Peace be with you Red.
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Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory - Kenai5839 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611
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