Kade Martin Smith

Kade Martin Smith, born on January 22, 1980, passed away at the age 45 on October 18, 2025, after fighting valiantly against metastatic kidney cancer for over 18 months. Kade was known for being a loving husband and father, a hard worker in his community, and a pillar of strength and courage to those closest to him. He left an impression, whether large or small, on those around him, in every path or venture in his life.

Born in Ogden, Utah, to Kevin and Marie Martin Smith, he was a friendly, joyful, and playfully mischievous character in the early years of his life. Before moving to St. George, he had moved 13 times all around Utah and Idaho to accommodate his Father’s job, making many memories with his parents and three siblings along the way. After moving to St. George, he made many lifelong bonds in the community. During his middle school and high school years, he was known as the class clown, always making friends wherever he went. Fueled from a young age by his love of Cougar football, he stayed active in many extracurriculars, playing football and basketball, and serving as a team manager when injuries kept him off the field or court.

After graduating from Pine View high school with honors, he pursued the calling of being a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was called to serve in the California San Fernando mission. For the next two years he diligently served his Lord and Savior, bringing souls closer to Christ. During his mission, he met a sister missionary with whom he formed a strong connection early on. After completing his full-time service, he returned home and pursued that connection, proposing to her soon after.

On November 17, 2001, he was married and eternally sealed to LaTressa Dawn Ericksen in the St. George Temple. Together, they built a loving family and welcomed two children, Delaney Dawn Smith and Kade Martin Smith Jr. His family was his pride and joy. Over the next 24 years of marriage, Kade dedicated himself fully to providing for those he loved. He often worked multiple jobs, 7 days a week, to ensure his family had every opportunity to chase their dreams. Despite his demanding schedule, he always found time to be a devoted husband and father — present, supportive, and involved in every part of their lives.

Kade spent nearly eight years as the head coach of his son’s little league football team, cheered proudly at all his daughter’s choir and play performances, and encouraged his wife’s passion for art, music, and supported her recent education in massage therapy. Wherever he went, as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, coworker, friend, or coach, his humor, generosity, and unwavering dedication made everyone around him feel like part of his family.

In March 2020, Kade was first diagnosed with kidney cancer and underwent surgery to remove both the cancer and his kidney. Four years later, at the beginning of 2024, he faced the same diagnosis of recurring metastatic kidney cancer, just as his son was preparing to leave on his mission. Even in the face of these trials, Kade’s strength and determination never wavered. He continued to work hard and provide for his family, and though his body began to fail him, he never lost his courage.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Marie; little brother, Trevor; sister–in-law, Lenae; all his grandparents and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, LaTressa; his children Delaney and KJ (Payton); his father Kevin (Kelly); older sister Karissa (Mike), and brother Derek; mother and father-in-law Ned and Kristin Ericksen; brothers-in-law, Dick (Alice), and Charles (Julie); and nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 12:00 noon at the LDS Morningside Stake Center at 881 S. River Rd. St. George, UT 84790. There will be a visitation prior to the memorial services from 10:00 -11:45am.

The family would like to thank McMillan Mortuary, St. George Regional Hospital for their kindness and care in our time of sorrow, Morningside 6th Ward, Kade's Costco family, LaTressa's Zion Massage College family, and everyone who has reached out in love and compassion.