Darrell Dean Smith

Darrell Dean Smith passed away unexpectedly February 6th, 2017 in Holyoke Colorado, at the age of 84. He survived his wife Shirley by only 13 days. Darrell was born May 26, 1932, to Shelton and Pauline Smith on his grandparents’ farm outside of Leon, Iowa. He was the oldest of three children, followed by brother Dale and sister Sue. When he was 13, Shelton and Pauline moved the family to Haxtun, where they owned and operated Smith Hardware for many years. Darrell joined the seventh grade in Haxtun. His future wife, Shirley Swisher was in the same class.

Darrell held several jobs as a young man. He was a projectionist at the Rialto Theater, sold parts at Joe Petre Implement, and worked on the Marvin James farm. Shelton sent him to school to become a certified Maytag repairman. The summer of 1951, after high school graduation, Darrell started college at Colorado A&M in Fort Collins (CSU), and worked at a dairy farm, milking cows morning and night to pay for college. Over Christmas break, Darrell proposed to Shirley at the Haxtun Park, and they were married at the Haxtun Methodist Church August 24, 1952.

Darrell joined the Air Force in November, and was soon off to boot camp in San Francisco. After boot camp, Shirley joined Darrell in Bryan, Texas, where he was stationed for two and a half years. Darrell was the base photographer, and also moonlighted as a lifeguard in Waco Texas, and was a professional photographer. Daughter Shelly joined the family in 1955, and three months later, Darrell was ordered to Japan, where he served for 18 months. He was the editor of “The Hawkeye”, the Air Force newspaper, while in Japan.

When Darrell left for Japan, Shirley brought Shelly home to Haxtun, where they lived with Darrell’s parents. After the Air Force, Darrell returned to Haxtun. They made their home in town, and the family soon welcomed Steve, Gwen, and Todd; all born in Haxtun. Darrell farmed with his father-in-law, Fred Swisher, and also took over the State Farm Insurance agency when Fred retired in 1957. In 1964, he purchased the Chaney farm three miles northeast of Haxtun, and moved the family to the farm in 1971. Farming was a family affair. Shirley drove tractor, with the kids pitching in as soon as they were old enough. Fresh food for the family came from a truck patch that he planted.

He learned meat cutting, and butchered meat for the family. He raised and dressed chickens as well . Whatever needed doing or whatever needed fixing on the farm, he knew how – or learned how. Darrell raised a variety of animals: cattle, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, and many feathered friends. He rode and trained horses, and did most of the veterinary work himself. Darrell received many awards from State Farm, and retired after 35 years of service, in 1992, at the age of 60.

Darrell was a member of the Haxtun Methodist Church. He belonged to the Gun Club, was a Mason, and a charter member of the Haxtun Jaycees. He was an Elk, and a member of the American Legion. He was selected “Wheat King” at Corn Festival In 1972. Darrell supported the kids as a 4-H leader and founder of the Haxtun Chaparrals. They enjoyed having friends over for dinner and cards. Darrell cooked up a storm. No guest ever left the Smith household hungry. Darrell loved hunting and fishing. Many weekends were spent fishing at the Jumbo and at Lake McConaughy. Summer vacations were camping trips to the mountains.

Darrell and Shirley wintered in Mesa, Arizona for a few years, and then wintered in Donna, Texas for over 20 years. They enjoyed many activities at the Palm Shadows Park in Texas. Darrell enjoyed driving his golf cart to get the mail, and talking with friends along the way. They made many trips to Mexico, and also went on a Caribbean cruise with friends from the park. In 2010, they experienced their first hurricane! Darrell and Shirley were married for 64 years and 5 months. In 2002, at their 50th Anniversary, they were asked the secret for keeping a marriage together so long. Darrell said, “We didn’t know any better.” “It was helping each other and working together,” said Shirley. “The only time he has gone off alone is to go deer hunting.”

Darrell is survived by daughter Shelly Norred and husband Mike of Reno, Nevada; son Steve Smith and wife Toni of Haxtun, Colorado; daughter Gwen Holcomb of Lakewood, Colorado; son Todd Smith and wife Cami of San Tan Valley, Arizona; sister Sue Phelps and husband Jim of Englewood, Colorado; eleven grandchildren: Trevor, Kara, and Derek; Craig, Danielle, Mandy, and Kristen; J.D. and Spencer; Jeremiah and Bree Ann; and nine great-grandchildren, with another great-granddaughter due in March; aunt Maurine Pullen of Des Moines, Iowa; sister-in-law Sherrilyn Smith Yost of Deadwood,  South Dakota; and his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by wife Shirley; parents Shelton and Pauline Smith; parents-inlaw Fred and Clara Swisher, and brother Dale Smith.

A memorial service was held Friday, February 17 at the Haxtun United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeri Soens officiating, followed by a ceremony with Military Honors at the Haxtun Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Haxtun United Methodist Church.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.