Tony Gene Smith, 64, of Worland, Wyo., died Oct. 31, 2011, with his wife and daughter by his side after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Warsaw to Fredrick Eugene and Betty “Becky” Lossa M. Smith, who preceded him in death. He is survivied by his wife, Sue Smith.
He graduated from Cody High School in 1966 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps that same year. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He retired from Zimmer USA, Warsaw, after 20 years of service. He and Sue opened Red Horse Bait and Sport Shop, Warsaw, and ran it for 13 years, before moving to Worland, Wyo., in 2002, to fulfill their dream of coming home. He brought with him great memories of his job and people at Zimmer USA, his fishing trips to Wisconsin with the guys, the great customers from the bait shop and two special boys, Dietrich and Alf Eherenman, now men, with whom he has kept in close contact. While in Worland, he worked at Butch’s Place for a short time.
He enjoyed watching the sunrises and sunsets each day and felt his day incomplete when he missed them. Riding motorcycles on sunny days always brought joy to his life. He took real pleasure in riding in Indiana and once moving to Wyoming bought another motorcycle he used for driving to work and sight-seeing. Moving from Indiana to the Goosberry in Worland, most would think culture shock, however he valued the quietness. He often mentioned things like “the road sure is busy today; we have had four vehicles drive by this morning.” He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and has touched many lives. He will be deeply missed.
Also surviving are a daughter, Tauna Jean (and spouse Matt) Thiel, Worland; a granddaughter, Rebecca Rimel, all of Worland; a grandson, C. Wesley Rimel, Westminster, Colo.; step-granddaughters, Keli Thiel, Worland and Randi (and spouse Mike) Newton, Gillette, Wyo.; two brothers, Tim (and spouse Phyllis) Smith, and Don (and spouse Sharon) Smith, all of Warsaw; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside services will be Wednesday at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Worland, and at 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at the American Legion, Warsaw, 301 N. Buffalo St.
Bryant Funeral Home, Worland, is in charge of arrangements.
***** Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, c/o Bryant Funeral Home, P.O. Box 524, Worland, WY 82401.
Condolences may be sent via www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com
