Obituary of Steven Lee Smith

Steven Lee Smith, 68, a retired Vietnam veteran of the Army, a man of honor, love and especially humor, went to his heavenly home. Saturday July 30, 2022, at his residence in Mesa, Arizona. Steven was surrounded by the love of his beloved Wife and only son while at home. Steven was born September 8, 1953 in Danville, Illinois. He married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart Elaine (Karelas) on Feb. 18, 1973.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; loving and loyal son, Jason C. Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona, his grandchildren Niko (Summer) Acree of Cataula, Georgia, and Demetri Smith, New Mexico, and his sister Kimberly (Ted) Silvey of Mahomet, Illinois. Great grandchildren include: Brooklyn, Benjamin and Jackson Acree. Niece: Rachel Silvey of Mahomet, Illinois.

Steven was greeted in heaven by his father, Donald L. Smith, 80, passing on September 17, 2008, and his mother Ona M. (Jim) Ryan, passing on Aug. 25, 2005.

Steven graduated from Danville High School in 1971 and soon after enlisted and served his country in the United States Army entering during the Vietnam era and became a retired veteran after 20 years of service. Steve served in the operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm serving in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia as a medic. Throughout his life, Steven traveled to many countries and served all over the world. Steven always had the deepest grin and best laugh. He enjoyed working to make you feel welcomed and loved making them laugh by telling jokes and having fun with his personal interactions. He deeply loved his family, talking with friends, his neighbors, and loved his tech hobbies of fixing and tinkering on his computers. An avid collector, Steve loved the little things in life and especially talking with people about life. He especially loved traveling with his wife to Greece and Many adventures in Arizona, Nevada, California and spending time with his son and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have him in their lives.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be scheduled for Fall of 2022, where he will be put to rest at the National Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix.