SMITH, Warren Jay

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, February 2, 2014 - Warren Jay Smith, 88, passed away in Lake Havasu City, Jan. 28, 2014. Born April 6, 1925 in Williston, N.D. to Earl and Cornelia (Shepard) Smith in Judson Township on the family ranch, raised and educated in Judson Township. At age 18, he traveled to California and worked as a butcher and met his wife, Betty Joyce. They were married, July 2, 1945 in Yuma. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Merchant Marines, transporting troops in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, they moved to Williston, N.D. and started their family. While working as a butcher, he attended the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, Mont. and became a well-known Auctioneer selling mostly in North Dakota and Montana, and throughout the US. He became involved in real estate and construction. He loved horses and was active in the Saddle Club and rodeos. He also was a member of the National Auctioneers Association, the Faith United Methodist Church and the Elks Club. Beginning in 1980, he and Betty spent winters in Lake Havasu City and eventually became full-time residents. He loved restoring antique wagons, buggies and just about anything relating to ranching and farming. He was a very social person and genuinely loved meeting and visiting with people. He will be truly missed by anyone lucky enough to have known him. Warren is survived by his loving family, wife of 68 years, Betty Smith, Lake Havasu City; sons, Gary (Laurel), Hot Springs, S.D. and Bradley, Flagstaff; daughters, Jacqueline Gedeon, Henderson, Nev. and Tonya (Jeff) Bekkedahl, Lake Havasu City; brother, Richard Smith, Williston, N.D.; sister, Darlene Landes, Great Falls, Mont.; nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at Lietz-Fraze Chapel, Friday, Feb. 7, 1 p.m., with words of comfort by Chaplain Kathy Kenney with Military Honors performed by the Marine Corps League. Burial will follow at the Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Warren’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.