Jerry Smith

Jerry David Smith died on January 1, 2026 in Ogden Utah after complications from a fall. He was born on October 19, 1946 in Los Banos California. He was married to Dorothy Moon on September 10, 2005 and previously married to Kristine Hofstedt and Betty Brown.

He was a heavy-duty mechanic by trade and a gifted welder by skill, able to fix or fabricate just about anything with his hands and a bit of ingenuity. If something was broken, he had a way of making it work again—often in ways no one else would have imagined—earning him a reputation so legendary that some swore he was the reason the term “jerry-rigged” existed at all.

In the kitchen, he was an equally skilled navigator, creating memorable meals from whatever happened to be on hand. Whether it was Navajo bread made just right or French fries cooked to perfection, his cooking was guided more by instinct than recipes, and it always brought people together.

His notorious man cave was a place of stories, laughter, and mechanical marvels, where hot rod cars were bragged about, family history was passed down, and John Wayne movies played like old friends in the background. A natural storyteller, he was known for sharing tales with alternate endings—or multiple versions—each one better than the last. Through his stories, skills, and unwavering resourcefulness, he left behind a legacy of creativity, humor, and deep family pride.

He is survived by his wife Dottie, children Lavon, Cheralyn, Carrie, Shauna and Janel. 25 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and siblings Lonnie, Wanda, Jane and Addie.

He was proceeded in death by his Father Hershel, Mother Viola and step mothers Della and Rachel. Siblings Daniel, Joan, Sherlie, Tom and Sheila.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11 AM at the LDS church address 373 15th St., Ogden, UT 84404