Delbert Smith

Delbert M. Smith, 55, a Westminster, CO resident; formerly of Twin Falls, ID, died on March 17, 2011 at The Denver Hospice in Denver, CO. Del was born on Jan. 22, 1956 the younger twin of David who arrived on the 20th to James F. (Smitly) and Geraldine G. Smith in Seward, Alaska. Besides his brothers, his children, 2 wives and grandchildren, Del is survived by many nieces and nephews; one cousin, Randy Cantrell of NV; 4 sisters-in-law; D Barry, FL; Lana Leedom, Minnie Holloway, and LaDona Molsee of ID and many dear friends; in their arms, he joins his parents and grandparents in passing. He attended school in Twin Falls, Idaho where he was active in choir; he also sang in church choir. He was in the South Park Boy Scout Troop # 144 from 1964-’72 having his Pop as “Scout Master” and mom as “Den Mother”. The “Hall” on their property held many fun parties and dances, the friendships there became a family of brothers who have stood by each other all their lives. Delbert worked for The Times News delivering newspapers as a youngster and in High School worked as a dishwasher/cook for Kay’s Supper Club. During senior year, Del enlisted in the U.S Navy on the “Buddy Program” with his Step-brother Dave Barry in 1973. Del was on the USS Camden (AOE-2), stationed at Bremerton, WA. He was a boiler operator, MM3, E4. Ladies at port were undoubtedly impressed by Delbert’s suave style; charisma, his sailor’s songs and generosity. He sang with 4 octave ranges and his stage presence, uniquely Delbert, became well known through Idaho, Northern Nevada and Denver after his U.S Navy tour. His various bands played the circuit during the 80’s. Del moved his family to Arvada, CO to be closer to his twin, David, who was the drummer of many of Del’s bands; a combination which drove us to dance and lose ourselves in pure Rock-n-Roll energy. Del attained a formal education, started at the College of Southern Idaho on the G.I Bill; working at Scotts Air Conditioning & Refrigeration and Longview Fiber Company; where he got an Associate’s Degree, going on to a lifetime of education at various colleges in the Denver area with a degree in HVAC Engineering. He worked for Lutheran Medical Center and Brighton School District as well as various other companies. His education ended in WPB, FL where he studied for a short time living with family, D and Dave Barry. Delbert’s hugs will be deeply missed by all. At the age of 23, Delbert joined his life with Lora E. Bates on June 18, 1979 in a Native American Ceremony. Their two sons; Nicholas James Bates and Thomas Shane Smith cared for their dad in their Westminster home close to the end. He also had a step daughter whom he helped raise from 9 months; Stephanie RiAnne Bates (Darron) Moore and granddaughter, September Ellen –Marie Moore. They divorced in 1989, later rejoining from 1998-2000 in Lochbuie and Hudson, CO. Del married Levita Hardin, enlarging his family with her two children, Amy (Dominic) and Brandon and four more grandchildren in Feb. 2001, they separated in 2006, divorcing 2010. His family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many men and women who helped navigate him through his last rough seas. The kindness and care giving of The Denver Hospice and the VA Doctors and Staff members of CO, FL, ID and TX. Thank you so much. Posted by All Veterans Funeral & Cremation.