Jerry Thomas Smith

Jerry Thomas was born to J. Lawrence and Belva Smith on May 13, 1947. A post-war “baby boomer”, Jerry grew up in the small town of Worland, Wyoming, playing sandlot baseball and riding bikes with his pals. His sister, Cheryl, came along two years later. His first job, a paper route, netted him the funds to buy his black lab puppy, Corky. Jerry was a Boy Scout, a member of the United Methodist Church, and was DeMolay Master Councilor. He was a good athlete, competing in school football, basketball, and American Legion baseball. Jerry graduated from Worland High School with the Class of ’65.

He obtained a Bachelor of Business degree from Oregon State University. After college, he moved to southern California and began his insurance career with Aetna, where he met and fell in love with Sara Sue and her daughter Paula. They married on September 12, 1974, in Placentia. He soon began work as a State Farm Agent. A new corporate position in an agency field role enabled him and his family to move back to Wyoming, settling in Sheridan in 1981.

After Paula went to college, Jerry transferred to Grand Junction, then Greeley, Colorado. He retired from State Farm in 2008 after 35 years of service. Following the passing of his wife, Sue, he moved to Fort Collins for the remainder of his life to be closer to Paula, Bruce, and his granddaughters.

Jerry loved golf and traveling internationally with Sue. He was a fan of the Colorado Rockies and college football, always a fan of the Wyoming Cowboys…Go Pokes! And he always enjoyed a good breakfast.

Jerry passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at the Center Avenue Health & Rehab Facility under the compassionate care of Canyon Hospice. He is survived by his daughter, Paula Fries, his son-in-law, Bruce, and two granddaughters, Emmanuelle Diana and Gracyn Sara. He is also survived by his sister, Cheryl Feraud, and nephews John and Brian. He was predeceased by his parents, J. Lawrence and Belva Clymore Smith and his wife Sue.

A Celebration of Life will be at the United Methodist Church in Fort Collins on July 18, 2026. There will be a private interment later this summer.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association , National Office.