Gerald “Jerry” G. Smith, passed away January 21, 2026 after a long battle with his lungs. He never smoked a day in his life. 

He was preceded in death by his sisters Janet and Carolyn and his brother Ronald.  He is survived by his wife Joye and stepson Scott Estes, and Lexi, the little black Schnauzer. Jerry loved that dog and that dog loved him.

Jerry was born October 12, 1939 on a dairy farm in Hudson, Colorado and attended grade school through high school in Keenesburg, Colorado. He excelled as a football player and received a scholarship to play football at Stanford.  He chose instead to go to the Marine Corps. He was discharged following a motorcycle accident. He then went to work pouring concrete for Harold Baumgardner in Brighton, Colorado, Arizona and California.  He was of the generation that worked hard and played hard. He was always willing to help a friend in need.

Jerry and Joye retired and traveled extensively around the country and Alaska, in their motorhome. During retirement he started a hobby of building things out of license plates.  He became known as the license plate man as he sold his creations all over the country. 

The last few years, Jerry and Joye got rid of the motorhome and settle down in Missouri near Kansas City with Joye’s son Scott. He finished his remaining years here.

Rest in peace Jerry.