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Dan Eldon Smith "Smitty" passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2021 at the age of 58. Dad was born in Payson, Utah on September 3, 1963 to Eldon and Della May Smith. He was the sixth of seven children. Dad was a long-time resident of Spanish Fork, he graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1981. He married Liz Ottesen on October 12, 1984. Together they raised three children TJ, Amber, and Sadie. They later divorced.
Dad worked for Geneva Steel for several years, he made many lifelong friends. In 1999 he completed the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). He worked for the Utah Department of Corrections for many years before transferring to the Utah County Jail. He loved his job and the people he met, he always backed the blue. Dad retired in 2012 after receiving a kidney transplant from a fellow officer. He spent his time camping, hunting, and fishing. We made many memories up to Scofield hunting deer and elk. Dad actually spent his last hours up on the mountain prepping for the deer hunt.
Dad loved spending time with his family, but his biggest joy in life were his four grandkids Maddie, Jake, Wyatt and Chase. He had a special bond with each of them and usually had a little sidekick in tow wherever he went. Dad loved to take them to the gas station for a treat or on lunch dates to One Man Band.
Dad is survived by his siblings Bernita (Gene) Carly, Dennis (Debbie) Smith, Eldona (Brian) Crook, Glenda Jenkins, and Duane Smith. His kids TJ (Annie) Thomas, Amber Smith, and Sadie (Colby) Carter. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Max and Connie Jolley and brother-in-law Dale (Jay) Jenkins.
We would like to make a special thanks to Andy Cragun for donating a kidney to our dad. This gave us nine more precious years with him. We would also like to thank Richard Arnold for working on our dad until first responders arrive and thank you to Shanna Giles for being a dear friend to our dad.
A viewing will be held at Legacy Mortuary on Thursday October 28, 2021 from 9:30-11 AM followed by a graveside service at Spanish Fork Cemetery.
We love you Pappy to the moon and back forever and always!
To leave condolences and share memories of Dan, visit www.legacyfunerals.com