Gene Ernest Smith

Former longtime resident of Mountain Home, ID and WWII Combat Veteran passed peacefully in Spokane, WA at the VA Hospital surrounded by love with his wife Cathy and family.

He was born & grew up on a farm in Gooding, ID, the third of nine siblings born to Ernie and Virginia Smith. He enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17 and fought on the front lines on the shores of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was always grateful to make it home and never forgot those who didn’t.

He married Candace Schlup December 24, 1946 and they lived in Hagerman and Gooding before moving to Mountain Home in 1950. They built a home on Canyon Creek Road and enjoyed life together until August 8, 2000 when Candace died. They had four children – Steve, Jim (wife Terri), Theresa (husband Gene), and Christine (husband Regent).

He was active in many community groups including the American Legion, Auxiliary Idaho State Highway Patrol, Elks, Masons, Shriners El Korah Tin Lizzies where he and Candy made lifelong friendships. He worked at MHAFB as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic for many years, and also had his own shop known as Gene’s Auto Repair. There weren’t many things he couldn’t engineer or fix, and he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.

He and Catherine Holloway were married June 24, 2006 and they continued to live in Mountain Home until August 2024 when they moved to Spokane to be closer to Cathy’s extended family. Together they shared a good life, navigating old age for over two decades.

He is survived by his brothers Larry and Ken; Catherine and her extended family; his four children and numerous grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service with Military Honors and Mason Ceremony on Thursday, November 12, at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Fairfax Avenue & Virginia St., Salt Lake City, UT or a favorite charity.

The family thanks those who provided for Gene’s compassionate care, both long-term and more recently, and everyone who provided love, support and comfort during these last difficult times.