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January 21, 1943—April 19, 2025 Dale Warren Smith was born in Riverdale, Maryland, to Herbert Dale and Julie Jones Smith on 21 January 1943. He spent his boyhood years in Maryland and then came to Idaho in 1961 to attend the University of Idaho. He met his wife, Victoria Parke, in a Chemistry Lab when she caught his hand on fire.
They were married in 1963 and spent 61 wonderful years together until his death at his home surrounded by family on 19 April 2025. Upon graduation from the University of Idaho, he was commissioned into the US Air Force and entered pilot training at Laredo, Texas. He spent 27 years in the Air Force with assignments in Virginia, Thailand (Vietnam), Arkansas, the Philippines, Alabama, Idaho, Arizona, Japan, and Hawaii.
After retiring from the Air Force, he and Vicki returned to King Hill, Idaho, where he immediately became involved in the community. The city of Glenns Ferry recently honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of service to community projects. Due to having flown 175 combat hours in the AC-130 gunship, he was able to become a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was soon elected to be the Idaho State Commander.
For fun, and because he loved the game of baseball and mentoring young men, he helped coach the Glenns Ferry Pilots Baseball team for 25 years and only quit when his health would no longer allow it. His favorite sayings were “Nothing is free in life” and “Life is too short, enjoy every moment.” “Colonel” or “Coach” Dale Smith is survived by his wife Vicki, daughter, Sheila Hailey, and son HD Smith (Dina), grandchildren, Rachel Emerson (Casey), Clayton Hailey (Renae), Cameron Smith, Zachary Smith, and great-grandchildren Jack Emerson, Evelyn Emerson and Xander Hailey.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents and a sister, Julie-Ray Stewart. A memorial service is planned for May 24th at 11:00 AM to be held in Glenns Ferry at the School. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Three Island Senior Center, 492 E Cleveland, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, are suggested.
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