Chester "Chet" Smith

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, June 4, 1997
near Philip at the age of 85

Chester C. Smith, better known as "Chet" to his family and friends, was born December 30, 1911, near Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Chester C. and Meta (Fisher) Smith, Sr.

At the age of five he moved with his father to a farm-ranch in Haakon County, South Dakota.  He grew up and received his education there.

Chet was united in marriage to Violet I. Brown on March 12, 1930, at Philip.  They made their home on a farm-ranch in Haakon County all their married life and have resided on their present farm-ranch since 1939.  Chet also worked on W.P.A. projects in Haakon County.

After his wife's death on August 31, 1996, he continued to operate the farm-ranch until his death.

Chet was a member of the United Church of Philip.  He worked for the U.S. Crop Reporting Service for over 27 years.  He was dedicated to his family and to farming.

Grateful for having shared his life are his four daughters, Hope Warne and her husband, William, of Tucson, Arizona; Linda Whitehead and her husband, Jim, of Piedmont; Glenda Helms and her husband, Eugene, of Creighton; and Doris Giardino of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two sons, Virgil Smith and his wife, Carla, of Milesville, and Chuck Smith and his wife, Rae, of Everett, Washington; 25 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, Violet I. Smith, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Harry Smith; one great-grandson, Grant Joseph Giardino; and his parents.

A memorial has been established.

Services
Monday, June 9, 1997
10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota

Officiating
Pastor Donald Lagge

Music
Marianne Frein - Organist
Beth Fitzgerald - Vocalist

Ushers
Phil Carley - Wade Geigle

Active Pallbearers
Lloyd Frein - Doug Frein
Paul Slovek - Raymond Clements
Roy Pfeifer - Gene Daniel

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Service Details

Services
Monday, June 9, 1997
10:00 a.m.
United Church in Philip