Orvan “Wayne” Dee Wayne Smith, 85, Great Falls, Montana, passed away January 15, 2024 due to complications of cancer.
Wayne was born June 29, 1938 in Nodaway, Missouri to Clyde and Grace Smith. He graduated from Fillmore High School and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. The Air Force took him to Lincoln, NE, where he would marry Lillian Debus. Together Wayne and Lillian had Steven Mark and Susan Jane Smith. Wayne and Lillian later divorced. Wayne then married his love, Donna Martin, on October 3, 1964. Together they welcomed their daughter, Cheryl Lynn.
After 7 years in the Air Force, Wayne began his work as a salesman. He loved talking with people and being on the road. He met many people over his years of travel. He had fond memories of camping and adventures with Donna. He had a passion for writing blogs and listening to music. Nothing brought him greater joy than to have all his family together and seeing the smiles on their faces.
Wayne is survived by son, Steven Mark (Rita) Smith; grandchildren, Andrea, Matt, and Brett Smith; daughter, Cheryl Gallagher; granddaughter, Felicia (Adrian) Watrous; five great grandchildren; his brothers, Rex (Pam) Smith and Jim (Jenna) Smith; sister, Thelma (Harvey) Taylor; extended family, Morgan Hogg, Nerissa Straight, Aelam Gallagher and family; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special friends, Bethany Rudolph and Aneasha Dean, that he considered family.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Grace; his wife, Donna; and daughter, Susan.
Funeral services will be Monday, January 22, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD, with visitation one hour prior. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery, 11:30 a.m.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
