Rich Smith Obituary

Charles Richard Smith, age 105, of Philip, South Dakota, died Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip.

Richard was born on October 22, 1917 at his father’s homestead located near Grindstone SD. He was the third son born to John Roy and Roxey (Berry) Smith. His Mother passed away when he was three years old. He was cared for by various neighbors and family members until his father remarried in 1923 to Norma Hicks. To this union six children were born.

Rich attended rural country school through the eighth grade. He continued to educate himself throughout his lifetime and was a whiz at doing math in his head. When he graduated 8th grade, he went directly into the adult work force living in a sheep wagon and herding sheep for his father. As the country went into a depression and things in western SD were really tough, he and his brother headed to Idaho where they had heard there was work. More hard work followed topping beets and working for a sheep ranch. It was in Idaho that he met a lovely young lady and things started looking up.

On December 11, 1937 he married his sweetheart, Gladys Knodel in Rupert, ID. In 1938 they returned to SD to close out some business and it was then that they decided to stay in SD and settled in with his brother near where they both grew up. For nearly 75 years they worked side by side to put together a ranch and raised nine children, surviving the ups and downs of rural life.

Rich was involved with the local school board until the school district was consolidated with Philip. He became a 3rd Degree Mason with Masonic Lodge 153 on March 3, 1959 and went on to become a 32 Degree Master Mason, receiving his 60 year pin in 2019, as well as being a member of the Naja Shriners. Rich was very community minded and believed in helping others although he never talked about the things he did. Over the years people have told us of the good deeds and helping hand that he and Gladys showed to others. Rich and Gladys were fortunate to travel across Australia and the U.S. on tours and some travels in their motor home. The house that he built in 1948 was where he loved to be. He lived there until 2022 when he decided it was time to stop working and let someone wait on him. He moved into the Scotchman Living Center in Philip SD.

He had an amazing memory and could remember people and events from his early childhood. He enjoyed visiting with everyone, young and old and was truly a walking history book of the community right up to his death. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his nine children, Colleen (Ken) Simmons of Forsyth MT, Joyce (Ed) Buchholz of Belle Fourche SD, Larry (Linda) Smith of Philip SD, Melvin (Beth) Smith of Philip SD, Steven (Roxie) Smith of Ordway CO, Arlan Smith of Casper WY, Barbara (Mike) Coy of Sheridan WY, Janet (Kenneth) Lurz of Wall SD, and Kieth (Deb) Smith of Philip SD, 26 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 75 years, Gladys Smith, a grandson, Christopher Lurz and granddaughters Audra Smith and Trena Buchholz, his sisters Betty Montgomery and Mary Eide and his brothers Everett (Bus), Alfred (Bill), Lee, Wesley (Bob), Maxwell, and Kenneth.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, September 3, at the Fine Arts Building at Philip High School.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 4, at the Fine Arts Building, with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Service Details

VISITATION
Sunday, September 3, 2023 - 5-7 p.m.
Fine Arts Building
Philip High School
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, September 4, 2023 - 10:00 a.m.
High School Fine Arts Building
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Cindy Bisser

MUSIC
Tristen Schofield - Musician
“How Great Thou Art”
“Amazing Grace”

USHERS
Marvin Eide - Danny Oldenberg

PALLBEARERS
Jeff Simmons - Kelly Buchholz
Brock Smith - Justin Smith - Chad Smith
John Smith - Josh Smith - Dustin Lurz
Tucker Smith - Lincoln Smith

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Deann Bailey - Tonya Buchholz
Lindsey Mangis - Larissa Wishard - Lariann Lanka
Melan Nicholson - Tara Brunsch - Lana Schnee
Dawn Back - Stephanie Fountain - Shannon Moline
Kendra Swaney - Kannan Harms - Chancie Baenen
Cassidy Ayotte - Colby Loftus

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

Such a remarkable life, with so many memories. You are all in our thoughts.
~ Rich and Donna Perez Rapid City, SD (9/1/2023)

Our deepest condolences on the loss of an incredible gentlemen, he left a legacy of the wonderful life he led, the memories made with one and all.
~ Dale & Penny Baumann Quinn, SD (9/2/2023)

Prayers to the Smith families. What a legend he was - so many memories you all have. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the days ahead.
~ Karen Webb Rapid City SD (9/1/2023)

What a wonderful man Rich was, his kindness was unending & his love for his family was abundant. What a great legacy he leaves behind. His stories will remain in your hearts & minds forever. My most sincere condolences to all of you during this sad time. A life well lived will never be forgotten! May God’s peace be with you today & in the days ahead.
~ Cindy Nuzum Wall, SD (9/4/2023)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. Virgil always enjoyed visiting with him. Rich would see Virgil go by his driveway when Virgil was spraying or mowing and would be waiting there for a visit when Virgil came back by. He was a good neighbor and friend.
~ Virgil & Carla Smith Philip, SD (9/4/2023)

Rich, Gladys, and their families were awesome people. Sympathy and prayers for all.
~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (9/2/2023)

Mr. Smith was such a true gentleman and we had a much fun visiting his friends and family as he did!
~ Trisha Ireland Philip (9/1/2023)

Sorry to hear of Rich's passing!!!

~ Joe Millage Philip (9/4/2023)

We are sorry for your loss. Rich enjoyed and led a great life. We pray for the family.
~ Rod and Sharon Baumberger McIntosh SD (9/2/2023)

Sorry for your loss. Our Thoughts and Prayers
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St (8/31/2023)

I'm so sorry for your loss. Rich lived a full life and left quite a legacy. Blessings to all.
~ Karen Hanson Rapid City, SD (9/6/2023)

Janet and Family,
My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Fawna Geigle Sturgis, SD (8/31/2023)

We have known Rich for many years, he always had stories to tell. His memory was so good, do not know how he done that. He will be missed by many, hold on to all the memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (9/3/2023)

Very sorry for your loss! This gentleman left quite a legacy and he will be remembered by many!
~ Kelly & Jeff Penticoff Philip (8/31/2023)

I have enjoyed wonderful stories about Rich over the years. I am sending condolences to his wonderful family.
~ Vickie Ferderer Sundance (9/3/2023)

A life well-lived. Rich was one-of-a-kind. Blessed to know him.
~ Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (10/3/2023)