Homer Lynn Smith

Homer Lynn Smith

April 23, 1943 - March 11, 2026

Homer Lynn Smith, aged 82, of Kingsland, Texas, passed away on March 11, 2026, after a brief illness. His wife, children, and several grandchildren were by his side throughout his hospital stay and eventual passing.

Homer was born to Homer and Gladys (Ward) Smith on April 23, 1943, in Darlington, Wisconsin. He attended Darlington High School before the family moved to California for his senior year. He graduated from Fullerton High School, earning a scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he studied agriculture. After college, Homer worked in agriculture, as an agronomist, for a lengthy and successful career that included Marshburn Farms, Oxy Chem Garden Valley, and Simplot Soilbuilders. He enjoyed working in the industry in Guadalupe, California, and made many lifetime friends throughout his career.

Growing up on a farm, he was, in many ways, a real-life "Tom Sawyer". His childhood was spent hunting, fishing, caving, raising steers for 4-H, and swimming in the swimming hole. Homer, as the oldest boy in the Smith family, was raised to be able to run the farm if something ever happened to his father. He knew how to use all the old farm equipment and handled many types of livestock.. He was given much responsibility from a very young age. In addition, Homer attended school in a one-room country school that was built in the 1800's. He was an avid reader and when the book mobile would come to the country school every few months, he would read every single book they brought. Homer was an excellent student. The Smith Family attended the Methodist church in Darlington where Homer was an altar boy, played Joseph in the Christmas program, and was confirmed at the age of twelve. His childhood was a balance of school, church, and farm chores.

While living in California, Homer loved spending his weekends at Lake Nacimiento. He was famous for his fireside jokes and stories. He remembered every joke he ever heard and could retell them with great enthusiasm and vivid detail. Homer was a truly gifted storyteller and many people will remember him fondly for the laughter he brought to those around him.

After retiring, Homer and his wife, Diane Smith, moved to Kingsland, Texas. He was a member of the Lion's Club and enjoyed their weekly meetings. Homer loved watching the Green Bay Packers play football, going out to breakfast, listening to country music, and spending time with his beloved dog, Charlie. Charlie went everywhere with Homer and was happiest sitting on his lap while he petted her.

Homer is survived by his wife of 39 years, Diane Smith; his children Jeff (April) Smith, Stacy (Tim) Leal, Zackery (Kim) Smith, stepsons Mike Smith and John Grigg.

Homer's grandchildren include Griffin (Tania) Levinski, Alexandra (Mark) Carlisle, Madison (Mike) Zidek, Carson Smith, Carissa Arriaga, Casey (Jonny Kolouch) Bassett, Alex (Marilin) Smith, and Desarae Grigg. Several great-grandchildren also survive Homer: Emmett Zidek, Ava Zidek, Ivy Zidek, August Carlisle, Jack Kolouch, Bradlie Shultz, and Sophie Levinski.

Homer is also survived by his sister, Kelly Graham Grant and brother Bruce (Janet) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Gladys Smith; stepdaughter Charlene Smith, stepson Robert Grigg, and great-granddaughter Ella Zidek.

Homer will be remembered for his humor, his love of storytelling, and the deep devotion he showed for his family and friends. His stories, laughter, lessons and wisdom will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for generations to come.