Thomas Franklin Smith

The family of Thomas F. Smith is deeply saddened to announce his sudden passing on January 5, 2026, at the age of 78. In his final moments, Tom was surrounded by love, with his wife and daughter holding his hands in prayer.
Tom was born the second of three sons to Clyde and Connie Smith. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1965 and briefly attended college in Chicago before joining the United States Air Force, where he proudly served from 1966 to 1970 as an aircraft mechanic working on B52 bombers during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Tom worked in the Shirley Basin mine before beginning a more than 30-year career with Decker Coal.
After retiring from Decker Coal, Tom founded Tom's Payee Service, through which he continued to serve others until the time of his passing. He devoted much of his life to helping individuals with special needs and was honored to assist in writing grants for Our Camp, a cause close to his heart. Tom married Jodi Smith in 1974, and together they welcomed their daughter, Pamela. Tom also adopted Jodi's four sons-Darrell, Warren, Kyle, and Kevin-and the couple raised their family in Dayton and later Sheridan. Tom and Jodi divorced in 2012.
On July 18, 2015, Tom married Irene King. Their marriage was one of deep companionship and joy, and Tom often spoke of how happy Irene made him. It was truly a blessed union.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Irene Smith; his brother Clyde (Deb) Smith; his sister-in-law Marjorie Smith; his children Darrell (Billie) Smith, Kyle (Desree) Smith, Kevin (Lacey) Smith, and Pamela (Colin) Peldo; his stepchildren Chip (Tara) King and John (Traci) King; his grandchildren Michael Carter, Danny Neff, Chad Johnson, Marissa (Matt) Overton, Madison Smith, Kaden Smith, Jamie Campbell, Paris (Noah) Copeland, Bridger Peldo, and Fischer Peldo; his step-grandchildren Emily (Nick) Bedolla, Blake King, Carter King, Brooke King, Katlyn King, and Kaycee King; his great-grandchildren Brooklynn, Braxton, Blakely, Saige, and Journey; and his step-great-grandchildren Stephen, Skylar, Joa, and Celeste. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his son Warren; his brother Glenn Smith; his sister-in-law Ginny Smith; and his grandson Colton. Tom believed in the power of a hug. In remembrance of him, please pass that comfort on to those you love. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tunnels to Towers.
A Celebration of Tom's Life will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 9, 2025, at First Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Rizer officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.