Blackmer Funeral Home

Dean was born February 17, 1918, to William B.C. Smith and Clara (Smith) Smith at Carlton, Washington. 

He married Opal May Cool on June 3, 1939, at Carlton. Dean and Opal lived in Washington and Oregon before moving to White Bird in 1951. They moved to Grangeville in the mid 1950’s. Opal passed away June 12, 1980. Dean moved back to White Bird in 1991.  

He owned his own logging truck since 1941. He hauled his own logs for various loggers in Washington and Oregon. He hauled logs for Lew Walker Logging in Colorado and New Mexico before moving to White Bird. He hauled logs for Gene Mager, and while hualing logs for Gene, he taught Dave Mager how to drive truck. In the late 1960’s, he hauled for Toivo Pottala Logging. In the 70’s, he was hauling for Bill Rae Logging and Finke Logging. In the 80’s, he hauled for Dabco and Jerry Triplett Logging. He eventually sold his truck in the mid 1980’s. Since the late 1950’s, he always owned a Mack truck.  

Dean always took his family to Pittsburg Landing to go sturgeon fishing with his friends from the 1950’s until 1970. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. 

After he sold his truck and had the time, he would play card games with his younger grandchildren when they were around. He was White Bird Days Grand Marshal in 2004. 

Dean is survived by two daughters, Carol and husband Melvin Cash of White Bird, and Twylla and husband Wayne Schneider of Ferdinand; a son, Jerry “Jug” Smith Sr. of White Bird; grandchildren, Robert, Russel, Michael, Brian and wife Shylloah, Stacey, Christopher, William Smith Sr., Rebecca, Robert and Jerry Jr. He has 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He has an adopted granddaughter, Mary Johnson. He is also survived by three sisters, Glenda Manhafney of Omak, Washington, Verleigh Schacschneider of Twisp, Washington, and LaVerne Moyer of Omak; many nieces and nephews, as well as many friends who are like family to him. 

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; one son, Terry; one grandson, David Cash; brothers Gerald, Beryl, Wiley, Wade and Joseph; and one sister, Marjory Hough. 

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.