Vernon W. Smith passed away peacefully Aug. 6, 2019, at Puget Sound Healthcare in Olympia, Washington, after a long illness. He received excellent care there.

Vern was born on Aug. 10, 1934, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Mr. and Mrs. Ward D. Smith. He graduated in 1953 from Aberdeen’s Weatherwax High. While in school, he worked for the Aberdeen Daily World, various service stations and enlisted in the Naval Reserve, where he served six years, eight months and 24 days and was then drafted in the U.S. Army. He served in California, Texas and Germany during the Cold War. Vern was honorably discharged two years later.

He worked for Grays Harbor Paper Co. and retired after 33 years. He enjoyed fishing for salmon in his boat.

Vern accepted the Lord as his Savior, Nov. 13, 2008, and attended First Baptist Church in Elma with his wife.

In 2009, Vern married Barbara Lee Golman and she survives him at the family home in Elma, Washington. They had a very happy marriage.

Vernon is survived by a son Bruce, three granddaughters, seven great-grandchildren and a niece. His parents, two sisters and two brothers passed away many years ago.

Vernon was laid to rest at Elma Masonic Cemetery on Tuesday, Aug.13, 2019.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen, Washington.