Howard Lee Smith, Jr.

Howard Lee Smith Jr., age 83, of South Ogden, passed away peacefully at home on March 10, 2026.

Born on December 2, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Howard Lee Smith Sr. and Josephine Smith (Price), Howard was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Bishopric, High Priest Quorum, and Elder’s Quorum, and was a dedicated Boy Scout leader. He found special meaning in acts of service, quietly helping those in need and teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of reaching out to others. Though he sang in his ward choir, he was the first to admit he couldn’t carry a tune.

He graduated from Ben Lomond High School in 1961, where he swam on the swim team despite not knowing how to swim, threw the javelin, ran cross country, and participated in track and field. On June 7, 1963, he married Antonia Overdiek in the Logan Temple. Their marriage lasted 63 years. Howard began his working life as a truck driver, cherishing the freedom of the open road, before becoming an aircraft mechanic at Hill Air Force Base so he could spend more time with his family.

He loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, and riding his Jeep, four-wheeler, and Razor. His favorite place was Island Park, Idaho. At home he could often be found watching John Wayne movies, asking guests if they had seen the film before, no matter how many times he had watched it himself. He also enjoyed country music, especially the songs of his relative, Johnny Cash.

Howard is survived by his wife, Antonia “Tony” Smith, their four children—Howard (Maria) Smith, Wayne (Sheila) Smith, Tina (Gary) Sanzone, and Rob (Trish) Smith—10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Lee Smith Sr.; his mother, Josephine Smith (Price); his sister, Patricia Taylor (Smith); his brother, Les “Red” Smith; his grandfather, Franklin Arnel Price; and his grandmother, Millie E. Price (Record).