1931
Roger
2020
Roger Thorn Smith
March 26, 1931 — April 12, 2020
Roger Thorn Smith, age 89 passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 12th, 2020. Although we will miss him very much, we are so happy that he now joins the love of his life, Joan Ardyth Smith (Garner) and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was born on March 26, 1931 in Lansing, Michigan to Harry and Margaret Smith of Eagle, Michigan. He had 7 brothers and sisters and is survived by one sister, Mary Alice Lawless, 93, of Portland, Michigan. Shortly after graduating High School, he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed out of Sculthorpe, England in the 84th Bomb Squadron during the Korean War. He was so proud to have served his country and was crew chief of a B-45, the first jet bomber. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant four years later.
In 1954, he married Joan Garner of Middleton , Michigan. He and Joan began their family with Gordon and Linda being born in Michigan and Scott and Lori being born after their move to California. Roger started his electrical contractor business in the Los Angeles area. He took many by surprise when he decided to give up contracting and become an owner of three KFC restaurants in The Mojave Desert. When he retired in 1980, he moved to a small farm in the beautiful Willamette Valley in Oregon. There, his family grew to include 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He loved his family so very much. He also really enjoyed playing pool and cards with any willing participant.
The family will have a graveside service at a later date yet to be determined due to the Pandemic Shelter In Place order. If you wish, you may send condolences to the family at: 1952 Beaver Loop NW, Salem OR 97304. We have also created an online memorial which can be accessed at: https://theeternalportal.com/tributes/roger-thorn-smith/
He was born on March 26, 1931 in Lansing, Michigan to Harry and Margaret Smith of Eagle, Michigan. He had 7 brothers and sisters and is survived by one sister, Mary Alice Lawless, 93, of Portland, Michigan. Shortly after graduating High School, he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed out of Sculthorpe, England in the 84th Bomb Squadron during the Korean War. He was so proud to have served his country and was crew chief of a B-45, the first jet bomber. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant four years later.
In 1954, he married Joan Garner of Middleton , Michigan. He and Joan began their family with Gordon and Linda being born in Michigan and Scott and Lori being born after their move to California. Roger started his electrical contractor business in the Los Angeles area. He took many by surprise when he decided to give up contracting and become an owner of three KFC restaurants in The Mojave Desert. When he retired in 1980, he moved to a small farm in the beautiful Willamette Valley in Oregon. There, his family grew to include 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He loved his family so very much. He also really enjoyed playing pool and cards with any willing participant.
The family will have a graveside service at a later date yet to be determined due to the Pandemic Shelter In Place order. If you wish, you may send condolences to the family at: 1952 Beaver Loop NW, Salem OR 97304. We have also created an online memorial which can be accessed at: https://theeternalportal.com/tributes/roger-thorn-smith/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roger Thorn Smith, please visit our flower store.
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