- Date Of Birth: February 23, 1921
- Date Of Death: October 27, 2021
- State: Utah
Douglas Andrew Smith was born in a two-room log cabin in Venice, Utah to Laura and Andrew on February 23, 1921. He enjoyed his 100-year-old birthday celebrations this year. He passed away on October 27, 2021. Doug was the second of five children and was born into a family of strong pioneer stock. Doug was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Doug fondly remembered his days growing up in Venice, Utah – fishing, hunting, chopping wood for the stove, milking cows, riding horses, Boy Scout campouts, playing marbles, and attending school in a three-room schoolhouse. Due to the Depression, the Smith family left Venice and moved to Northern Utah for work. Doug attended the Clinton School and Davis High School for a short time, and graduated from Weber High School. Doug lived in Roy, Utah, from the time of its founding in 1937.
Following high school, Doug enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. While stationed in Pendleton, Oregon, he attended a dance where he met Charlene and was immediately smitten. Doug and Charlene were married five months before Doug was shipped to England for training. He served in Africa and then Italy during WWII. Doug returned home to Charlene and his toddler son, Larry, who had been born while Doug was serving overseas. Doug worked a variety of jobs and retired as an Air Traffic Controller at Salt Lake International Airport. He was also in the Army Air Corps Reserves and Utah National Guard for over 30 years. Doug retired as a Captain. Doug and Charlene had two more children – Donna Lee and Donald. Donna Lee passed away when she was a little under 3 months old, which was a terrible loss that left a hole in Charlene’s and Doug’s hearts. In 1990, Charlene was diagnosed with cancer. Doug lovingly took care of Charlene in their Roy home until her passing a year later. Doug and Charlene loved to square dance, RV travel and camp, boat, and get together with friends and family. Doug was a square dance caller and called or danced for many clubs through the years. He square danced regularly up until this last year. Doug and Charlene loved being grandparents to their two grandsons (Todd and Norman) and their five granddaughters (Sabra, Donell, Gina, Nyla, and Tamara). They were a wonderful grandparent team. After Charlene’s passing, Doug met Joyce while square dancing. They were married for 29 years and enjoyed being grandparents to their combined grandchildren and many greats and great-greats. Being a centenarian, Doug was preceded in death by many. He is survived by Joyce, Larry (Marian), Don (Kathleen), his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his brother, Delgarn.
