Gerald Glen Smith

Gerald Glen Smith passed away with family at his side on May 8, 2025, at Delta Health Hospital after an unexpected illness.

He was born to Nelson Smith Sr. and Pearl Louise (Barker) Smith on September 13, 1936. He was 88 years old. He had 9 brothers and 7 sisters. He spent his childhood in Aspen where he attended and graduated from Aspen High School in 1954. During his school years he played basketball, was class president all four years, and was a member of the choir and drama clubs.

From 1958 -1961, Glen served in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne as an air trooper. He served mostly in Germany, and was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4, Air Trooper. He was very proud of his 34 parachute jumps!

He married Betty Louise Jones, celebrating 62 years of marriage last September. They had two children, Richard Glen Smith and Carri Marie (Smith) Gillenwater. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Aspen, Woody Creek, Paonia and Cedaredge, Colorado. They have 6 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Glen was an active member of many service organizations and various social activities. He was one of the earliest members of the Aspen Fire Protection District, a lifetime member of both the Fraternal Order of Eagles #184 and the Elks Lodge #224; and a 50-year member of the American Legion post #97. For many years every Saturday night, he enjoyed playing bass in the band The Rainbow Playboys. He loved singing, fishing, gardening and playing games with his family. The games Left-Center-Right and Marbles were some of his favorites.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all 16 of his siblings. He is survived by his wife Betty, their two children, all of their grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He loved spending time with his family. He had a strong connection with his siblings like no other: Flossie, Carl, George, Mary, Sheldon, Ivan, Joe, Inez, Junior, Sis, Bud, Bob, Snook, Jack, Betty, and Evelyn. This connection continued with his 41 nieces and nephews. For many years, he loved spending time at hunting camp with his brothers and nephews. He also enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports, even if he had to watch on his iPhone. I believe he virtually attended more games for his great grandkids than most local folks do.

He had a great love of fishing, camping, and gardening. In later years he became very excited each spring and fall to join his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, nieces, nephews, and friends at Lake Powell.

Graveside services will be held on May 17, 2025, at 11:00 am. at Bethlehem Cemetery, 14515 Canyon Rd, Paonia Colorado. Immediately following there will be a luncheon at Carri & Danny's house, 41026 Lamborn Mesa Rd, Paonia Colorado.