Homer Lynn Smith

Homer Lynn Smith, aged 82, of Kingsland, Texas, passed away on March 11, 2026, after a brief illness. His wife, children, and several grandchildren remained by his side throughout his hospital stay.

Born on April 23, 1943, in Darlington, Wisconsin, to Homer and Gladys (Ward) Smith, Homer grew up on the family farm. He attended Darlington High School before the family moved to California, where he graduated from Fullerton High School. He earned a scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied agriculture. He went on to build a long and successful career as an agronomist, working with Marshburn Farms, Oxy Chem Garden Valley, and Simplot Soilbuilders in the Guadalupe, California area, where he formed many lifelong friendships.

Raised with significant responsibility as the oldest boy in the family, Homer learned to operate farm equipment and manage livestock from a young age. His childhood was filled with hunting, fishing, caving, raising steers for 4-H, and swimming in the local swimming hole. He attended a one-room country schoolhouse built in the 1800s, where he developed a lifelong love of reading. An excellent student, he was also active in the Methodist church in Darlington, serving as an altar boy, playing Joseph in the Christmas program, and being confirmed at age twelve. In California, he cherished weekends at Lake Nacimiento, where he became known for his fireside jokes and stories. A gifted storyteller, Homer remembered every joke he ever heard and shared them with enthusiasm, bringing laughter to everyone around him.

After retiring, Homer and his wife of 39 years, Diane Smith, moved to Kingsland, Texas. He was a member of the Lions Club, enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, going out to breakfast, listening to country music, and spending time with his beloved dog, Charlie, who was happiest sitting on his lap.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Smith; his children Jeff (April) Smith, Stacy (Tim) Leal, Zackery (Kim) Smith, and stepsons Mike Smith and John Grigg; grandchildren Griffin (Tania) Levinski, Alexandra (Mark) Carlisle, Madison (Mike) Zidek, Carson Smith, Carissa Arriaga, Casey (Jonny Kolouch) Bassett, Alex (Marilin) Smith, and Desarae Grigg; great-grandchildren Emmett Zidek, Ava Zidek, Ivy Zidek, August Carlisle, Jack Kolouch, Bradlie Shultz, and Sophie Levinski; his sister, Kelly Graham Grant; and his brother Bruce (Janet) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Gladys Smith; stepdaughter Charlene Smith; stepsons Robert Grigg; and great-granddaughter Ella Zidek.

Homer will be remembered for his humor, his love of storytelling, and the deep devotion he showed for his family and friends. His stories, laughter, lessons, and wisdom will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for generations to come.