Elmer Ben "Smitty" Smith Jr 1922 - 2014

SMITH, HARBECK

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/3/2014 at 11:01:51

Sioux City Journal
16 October 2014

SIOUX CITY | Elmer Ben "Smitty" Smith Jr. died peacefully Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, surrounded by his loving wife of 68 years, his children, and his grandchildren.

Private graveside services will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences can be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Elmer was born on Dec. 31, 1922. Elmer was born and raised in Sioux City, graduating from Central High School in 1940. He was a veteran of the United States military, serving in Guam and the Solomon Islands as a Navy Seabee during the Second World War.

Upon return to the United States, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Janet Harbeck. He and Janet have four children, Karen, Lucky (Elmer), Cathy, and Debbie. We have always known we were blessed with the most magnificent father imaginable.

Elmer was a machinist throughout his working career with the M & S Company, which was a business started by his father.

Throughout his lifetime, Elmer had a multitude of interests including building and racing stock cars and motorcycle dirt bikes. He was also a member of the Abu Bekr White Horse Patrol when he was younger.

He was passionate about learning and instilled the love of reading to all his children and grandchildren. He was also passionate about exercise and maintained an active exercise program throughout his life. Elmer was an avid soccer fan and was seen on the sidelines of local high school and college games throughout his retirement.

Our father's greatest time and effort were expended caring and providing for his children. He was phenomenal to all his children, but there are few young men who can truly say their father was their best friend. Lucky and Dad spent countless hours building and maintaining Lucky's motorcycles so he could pursue the sport of motocross racing.

Later in life, upon retirement, Elmer and Janet have divided their time and effort with helping raise and encourage all their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Karen and Cy Chesterman with children, Cy Chesterman Jr. and sons, Jacob, Justin, Sam, and Ben, Jay and Jean Chesterman with family, Joslyn and Josh Montagne, Lucky and Patti Smith with daughter, MacKenzie, Cathy and Doug Palmer with children, Ed and Anne Palmer Kellogg with sons, Edward and Louis, Jim and Christen Palmer with daughter, Marcella and son, Winston, Claire Palmer and fiance, Ryan Luttrell, Debbie and Bill Feiges with daughters, Daniella and Sarah Feiges.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Ben Smith; and his mother, Katherine Bradford.

Our hearts are weeping - we love you, Gramps