Darwin William Smith

1938 - 2025

Darwin William Smith
March 22, 1938 - May 24, 2025
Darwin William Smith, Born March 22, 1938, in Rexford, MT. He was called home to be with his lord and savior on May 24, 2025. He was the second child born to William. D. and Violet. M. Smith (Shelby).
He was 87 years old. Darwin was raised in Montana until the 3rd grade. The family relocated to Vale, OR area after the Libby dam was established in Montana. This forced the sale of their ranch and a move to the Vale area where Darwin was raised. He spent the rest of his years in the Vale area. He spent two years in the Army, stationed in France where he was a truck driver. After his military time he returned to Montana for a short time to work in the timber. After that he returned to the Vale area where he married Janice Hite (Smith). Together they had five children. He resided the rest of his days in the Vale area. Darwin was always a family man with extreme dedication to his family, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He was a man of dedicated faith. He spent many years farming, ranching. Darwin owned a construction business, and later spent many years managing a local glass business. He was an instrumental part of building the Vale Christian Church which he attended for many years and served as an elder for nearly 30 years. He served a tenure at Pioneer Nursing Home on the board of directors. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He loved the construction trade and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Janice, one week shy of a 62 year marriage. Children, Lyle Smith, John (Tanya), Kenny (Rachel), Ronald (Angela). 13 grandkids and 25 great grandkids. Sister, Bonnie, Harold (Peggy). He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Violet. Sisters, Betty and Lucky. Son, Darin.
Funeral services will be held May 30, 2025 at the Vale Christian Church in Vale, OR at 10 a.m. (MT). There will be a service at the church, a graveside service with military honors at Valley View Cemetery in Vale. There will be a dinner to follow back at the church.