Leland Smith

Leland Smith, 94, passed away on March 13, 2022, in West Jordan, UT.  He was born in American Fork, UT on March 17, 1927 to Elliott Smith and Mary Snyder Smith.  He spent most of his growing up years   in Lehi or at a sheep camp in Provo canyon.  

Leland married Joyce Ricks June 5, 1946 and had 4 children.  Joyce and Leland had many happy years where they enjoyed traveling and spending time together.  Together they raised a loving family.  After Joyce's passing, Leland married Helen Searle in 1981 and they spent many years enjoying both of their families.

Leland was a veteran of WWII,  where he served in the Navy as a gunner on the Battleship USS South Dakota.  He witnessed history with the signing of the Armistice in Tokyo Bay ending the war on September 2, 1945.  Leland was one of the kindest men you could ever meet and was always the peacemaker wherever he went.  He loved to play golf when he could and loved to watch golf when he was no longer able to play.  His whole life he loved growing things.  He grew beautiful flowers and vegetables, and always had the prettiest yard in the neighborhood.  He was an auto mechanic at Holley Auto in American Fork and always loved nice cars.  Leland loved traveling with his family and friends, especially to Lake Powell.  He spent many wonderful hour swimming at the AF Rec. Center and water skiing with his family when he was younger.  He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings including serving as a temple worker in the Mt. Timpanogos temple.  He loved his family and spending time with them as well as loving Lori and Carl’s dogs the last year of his life. 

Leland is survived by his children, Susan (Guy) Richards, Lori (Carl) Williams, and his daughter-in-law, Mary Smith; siblings, Raymond Smith and Kay Shelton; 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Leland is preceded in death by his spouses Joyce Ricks and Helen Searles Smith; his parents Elliott Smith and Mary Snyder Smith; his sons, Duane R. Smith and Randall Jay Smith; siblings JoAnn Grace and Richard Smith.

The service for Leland will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at  2:00 PM in the LDS Chapel in American Fork, 680 North 350 West.  A viewing will be held from 12:45 to 1:45 pm at the church prior to the services.  Burial in the American Fork Cemetery. 

Please share a memory on Leland’s Tribute wall at www.andersonmortuary.com