SMITHSON, John

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, May 25, 2011 John Smithson, 87, died May 22, 2011, in Flagstaff. He was born on April 17, 1924, in Claypool, Gila County. Mr. Smithson served in World War II and was a chiropractor in Flagstaff for 33 years. He served as a bishop, and patriarch in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a branch president in Cameron and went on a mission with his wife Ida to Chickasha, Okla. For 11 years, he visited prisoners at the Coconino County Jail weekly. He was a founding member of the Flagstaff Optimist Club, and a member of the Flagstaff Hiking Club, Toastmasters Club and Flagstaff Photography Club. Mr. Smithson is survived by his wife, Rita McCoy Smithson; four children, Joanna Abner, Kerry L. Smithson, Geraldine Sauser and Allen J. Smithson; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; five stepchildren; 29 step-grandchildren; and 33 step-great-grandchildren. Ida, his first wife, preceded him in death on Jan. 21, 2009. A visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., at Norvel Owens Mortuary. A funeral service will be Saturday at 10 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 625 E. Cherry Ave., in Flagstaff. Burial will follow with military honors at the Citizens Cemetery. In honor of Mr. Smithson, his family requests that those in attendance tie their tie like he did. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements.