Ray Smith, 60

Lowell Raymond "Ray" Smith, 60, of Glenns Ferry, died Sunday, July 10, 2005, at home, with his wife at his side after a short but hard struggle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 15, at Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Ray was born Aug. 15, 1944, in Portsmouth, Ohio, the son of Frank and Zelma Smith. Ray was raised on a family farm in Ohio. He graduated from North West High School in Lucasville, Ohio, in 1962.

Shortly after graduation he joined the US Air Force, where he advanced to the rank of sergeant. During his 21 years of service he was stationed in many locations in the United States and Asia. During the Vietnam conflict he served three tours of duty in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. He also served a tour of duty in Korea.

Ray received many commendations for his service, including the National Defense Service Medal; AF Outstanding Unit Award; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Devices; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal for Outstanding Achievement. He retired from the Air Force in 1984.

Ray enjoyed most being in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, walking and sitting around a campfire. He loved to share those experiences with his friends and children, Bruce and Daphne. He gave his son Bruce the same appreciation for the outdoors.

Ray was an avid fly fisherman but enjoyed any kind of fishing. He hunted and fished everywhere he lived or spent time, even when he was in Vietnam.

In 1989, Ray met Carlene, the love of his life. They were married in Elko, Nev., on April 13, 1990. Ray then move to Glenns Ferry where he helped run the ranch. Later he and Carlene developed other businesses.

Of great joy to Ray was the two families blending together and bringing great joy into his life. He shared his love with all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was nothing better than everyone getting together for a family gathering.

He especially enjoyed the times he spent at the family cabin on the Middle Fork of the Payette River.

"We will always remember him sitting at the campfire sharing his love and enjoyment of life," his family said.

Lowell is survived by: his wife, Carlene Smith of Glenns Ferry; son Bruce Smith of Nampa; daughter Daphne McDowell and her husband, Scott; stepchildren Carol Finney and her husband, Larry, Lynn Viner and her husband, Richard Matkin, Joanne Tweet and her husband, Terry, and Jerry Viner; brothers Ernie Smith and Paul Smith; sister Emily Jones, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Lona Goodrich, brother Darrell Smith and his parents.

Memorials may be made to Crouch Park, Crouch, Idaho, c/o Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel, 500 N. 18th East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647.