Paul Rea Smith

Paul Rea Smith, age 77, passed away August 24, 2023 at McKay-Dee Hospital. Paul was born December 11, 1945 in Liberal, Kansas to parents Everett and Dorothy Smith. He graduated from Liberal High School in 1963.

He married the love of his life, Linda LaPlant October 3, 1965. Together they raised two children, Amy Michelle Smith Farrell and Ryan Rea Smith.

Paul served in the National Guard for six years, 1966 to 1971 and was honorably discharged from the National Guard of Kansas.

He worked at National Helium in Liberal until 1976 when he moved his family to Coalville, Utah to take a job at American Quasar Petroleum. The family moved to Ogden in 1979 and Paul continued to make the long drive to Coalville. His last job was at Western Zirconium from 2004 to 2008.

Paul loved cars and trains. He was a member of the Utah Corvette Club for 35 years. He and Linda made many friends in the club and enjoyed outings and trips together. He loved showing his corvette and chatting with others at car shows. He was also a member of the G-scale Train Club. He built a layout in his backyard and loved to show it off to anyone who showed an interest in trains and even those who were not. He also participated in the annual train show held at Union Station.

Paul is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Amy (Rob) Farrell of Las Vegas; his son, Ryan (Peggy) Smith of Farr West, Utah; grandchildren, TayCee (Shaun) Whittle of Roy Utah; Chelsee (Cody) Funke of Layton, Utah; Brianna Farrell of Longwood, Florida; and Jessica (Jamie) King of Knoxville, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, McKinlee and Haylee Whittle of Roy; Skyelee and Jacob Funke of Layton; and Jalee, Jaxson, Kelson, Joss, and Jessie King of Knoxville, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Dorothy Smith; sisters, Kathy Milton, Marylin Headrick, Jodi Brown, and Paulette Hand; and brother, Everett Lee Smith.

A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held Friday, September 8, at 4 pm in the bowery of Riverdale Park, 4300 S. Parker Dr., Riverdale, Utah. Full military honors will be accorded by the Brigham City Honor Guard at 5 pm sharp; all are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his name.

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