Leo Clifford Smith, beloved husband, father and grandfather died on March 10th, 2021, at the age of 88. Leo was born on June 15, 1932, in Santaquin, Utah. He was the sixth of nine children born to William Clifford Smith and Olive Ethel Taft and descended from a long line of faithful Pioneers. His great-great grandparents, Seth Taft and Amasa Lyman, were early converts to the church and each made the difficult trek west, entering the Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young. His great-grandfather, William W. Smith, built the first mills in Provo, Santaquin and Goshen that were vital to survival of the early settlers in Utah County. Leo was very humbled by the legacy his forbearers left for us.
Leo grew up in Santaquin, Utah, and could often be found roaming the hills and valleys around his home on his favorite horse, Pigeon, or on a pair of cross-country skis that he made himself. His parents were farmers and there was a lot of work to be done to support and sustain themselves, especially during the great depression. Leo always did his share of the work stacking hay, herding the cows, hunting to provide much-needed meat and many other demanding tasks. Leo enjoyed his simple life. He often recalled that despite their difficulties, he was happy and was given much love and affection. Leo was a good student who enjoyed reading and learning about the wide world around him. When he graduated from Payson High School in 1950, his family decided that he would go to college at the University of Wyoming in Laramie where he could live with his sister Lasca’s family. So, one day in June 1950, Leo’s father drove him to the edge of town to hitchhike the 500 miles to Laramie, Wyoming. He had $8 in his pocket and all of his possessions in a little metal suitcase which he carried. This was the last time that Santaquin, Utah, would be his official home, though there would be many trips to visit family and friends over the years.
After working to save money, Leo completed one semester at the University of Wyoming before transferring to the University of Utah in the fall of 1951. Leo decided on becoming a chemical engineer based on a random choice of major while registering. He struggled to find enough time to study, sleep and work to pay for his tuition, room and board. Despite the difficult circumstances, Leo persevered and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1955. Leo was the first in his family to graduate college.
In 1952, on a blind date with one of his buddies from Santaquin, he met a beautiful girl named Bonnie Norma Garrett from Nephi, Utah. Over the next three and a half years, Leo and Bonnie dated and got to know each other better. Leo’s college deferment from the military ended and he was drafted into the Army 35 days after graduation. He saved most of the money he earned during basic training and traveled home to Utah in October where he purchased an engagement ring for $175. He asked Bonnie to marry him at her parent’s home with the pungent smell of the pickles Bonnie’s mother was canning wafting in from the kitchen. They were married on December 26, 1955, in the Garrett’s home in Nephi, Utah. They were later sealed in the Manti temple just prior to their first daughter, Julie, being born. Leo and Bonnie recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past December.
About the time that Julie Ann was born on February 9, 1958, Leo’s service in the Army ended and he began work at U.S. Steel in Geneva, Utah. The little family settled into a home in Orem, Utah, and began their family life together. Bonnie Carol was born a short time later on July 19, 1959, and Merianne came along several years later on April 12, 1964. Later that same year, Leo accepted a new position as production superintendent building a new chemical plant with WYCON in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Smith family settled in Cheyenne and three years later, the family was completed with the birth of twins: Linda Cae and Garrett Leo on June 21, 1967. In 1970, Leo accepted a new position in management with his company and the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. A few years later, Leo was promoted again to Senior Vice President of the larger corporation and the family moved to the suburbs of Houston, Texas. Leo had a successful career and accomplished many things over the course of his employment. Portions of many summer vacations were spent visiting the chemical plants and coal mines that he was responsible for developing and running. In 1985, the Smith family moved back to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Leo completed his career as the president of WYCON, the company he began work for in 1964. He later retired in 1991. Leo always enjoyed work having learned the value of a hard day’s labor at a young age and the satisfaction that comes from a well-stacked pile of hay.
Leo was born into an LDS family, but was raised in relative inactivity for most of his formative years. He was baptized when he was eight years old; however, none of his family attended this important ordinance. As a result, he did not know what to do after the baptism. When the group of kids who were getting baptized got back to the church from the tabernacle in Payson, Leo got out of the car and walked home without having the ordinance of confirmation. Fortunately, his uncle, Thomas Smith, was acquainted with the church and its ordinances and he confirmed Leo a week later. Leo was active in primary and credits his foundational knowledge about the church to what he learned in those primary classes as a young boy. He was ordained as a deacon but never advanced in the church beyond that position in the Aaronic priesthood. Fortunately, the love of his life, Bonnie Garrett, came from a family that was strong in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Equally as fortunate, Bonnie fell in love with the poor, inactive, small-town farm boy from Santaquin, Utah who asked her to marry him. Leo was grateful throughout his entire life for the love and example that was shown to him by the Garrett family. He learned, by watching their example, how to live the gospel and was advanced into the Melchizedek priesthood and prepared to enter the temple as a result of the Garrett family’s time and attention to him. Their efforts reestablished Leo onto the covenant path, and he has remained on that path ever since. His testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his understanding of the principles of the restored gospel have enabled him to be an effective husband, father and servant in the church. Leo has held many callings throughout his church service including work with the Young Men’s organization, elders quorum president, stake mission president, counselor in the bishopric, bishop, regional communications director, high council member and stake president. However, he would probably say that one of his favorite service opportunities was the two-year mission that he served with his wife Bonnie in the Mesa, Arizona Temple Visitor’s Center. Leo did not have the opportunity to serve a mission as a young man but he loved being a missionary throughout his entire life.
After they retired, Bonnie and Leo spent many years traveling around the country in a fifth wheel camp trailer. They visited family and friends and saw many wonderful sights. In 1987, prior to their retirement, Leo and Bonnie purchased a home in the mountains of Park City, Utah. Leo loved sitting in his living room and looking out the windows at the beautiful mountains in Park City. They both loved being back “home” in Utah and the close proximity to family. Many wonderful family memories surround that home. In 2000, they built a home in Mesa, Arizona, and moved there to live part-time. They had the wonderful luxury of spending winters in Arizona and summers in Park City, Utah— truly the best of both worlds. In 2017, they sold their home in Mesa and moved back to the suburbs of Houston to Humble, Texas. Leo and Bonnie have had good health for most of their lives but as they increased in age, they needed more assistance and attention, so they purchased a home one street away from their daughter, Merianne. Merianne has performed the wonderful service of caring for them with excellence and love for the last several years. Throughout all of this, Bonnie has always been at Leo’s side. They have loved each other throughout all their 65+ years together. Leo often commented about how much he enjoyed kissing Bonnie that first time and has enjoyed kissing her ever since.
Leo enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He was very comfortable in the outdoors whether he was hunting, cross-country skiing or riding motorcycles and ATVs in the mountains. He loved Bonnie’s cooking and often remarked after almost every meal saying, “it was delicious Bonnie; don’t change the recipe.” He loved music and poetry. He saw every James Bond movie and spent many Sunday evenings eating popcorn and watching Mission Impossible.
Recently, as Leo’s health has declined, it became necessary to employ the assistance of home healthcare workers and Hospice care. These angels were essential and provided much-needed support, care and assistance. We would be remiss not to acknowledge their contributions and express our gratitude to them.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, William Clifford Smith and Olive Ethel Taft, brother Afton (Jean and Claudette) Smith, sisters Geneve (Charles Cornell, Jay Deuel and Francis Henderson), Lasca (Frank) Keele, Nadine Smith, Audra (Jack) Hendrickson and Anna Lou (Carlos) Hutchings. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and his five children: Julie Hale, Carol (Richard) Peterson, Merianne (Rick) Horton, Linda (Allan) Tantillo, Garrett (Carol) Smith, 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and brother Jaye (Marguerite) Smith, and sister Diane (Gene) Cales.
Funeral services will be held at Walker Funeral Home located at 587 S. 100 W. Payson, Utah, on Saturday March 20, 2021. There will be a viewing from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM and will be live streamed and can be viewed by selecting the link on Leo’s Obituary at www.walkermemorials.com.
Leo Clifford Smith will be interred at the Santaquin cemetery.
25 Condolences for Leo Clifford Smith
Condolences(25)
Pete Illoway says
March 12, 2021 at 8:28 pmA wonderful mentor and friend. I will miss him greatly.
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:08 amThank you so much, Pete, for your kind words! We will miss him so much!
shirin shiekh blackwell says
August 10, 2026 at 10:26 pmHello, Merianne, My name is Shirin. I was a friend of your sister Julie when you lived in Texas. She was the reason I joined the church. Your parents were always so welcoming to me. I have tried to find Julie over the years, to no avail. I was hoping you could re-connect us. I see she is no longer married to Marty. I would love to catch up – it’s been so long since 1978/79. I served punch at their reception and flew to visit them in UT one summer. If possible, please do give her my contact info. I was happy to read your Dad’s obituary….he lived a beautiful life. Your Mom still looks amazing. Such a great couple. Blessings.
Tana MacLean Jorgensen says
March 12, 2021 at 10:20 pmI have very fond memories of Leo, Bonnie and their twins, my friends. President Smith was the Stake President of my youth who I admired. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Loved reading about his amazing life. Love to all the Smiths at this time!
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:10 amThank you so much, Tana! I love the memories our families share and we feel your love!
John and Elaine MacLean says
March 12, 2021 at 10:42 pmBonnie this is never expected we send our love and prayers for you. We hope you are well and cared for. We are the age that we never know what tomorrow will bring.
Then we will all rejoice together!!
Heavenly Father will bless you in your waiting. Love, John and Elaine MacLean
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:11 amMy mom loved hearing from you – thank you for taking the time to send words of encouragement!
Rob Hendrickson says
March 12, 2021 at 11:56 pmUncle Leo was a tall man with a huge heart, beautiful spirit and great mind. We Hendricksons always felt blessed and honored to be family to him, Bonnie and the kids, as we do all our Utah relations. His sister Audra, our mother, held him in the highest esteem as her closest-in-age baby brother and counted on him for advice throughout her life. God bless Leo and everyone who loves and loved this wonderful man.
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:14 amSuch very kind words, Rob. We love your family as well. It’s not easy losing a loved one! Thank you for your sweet message.
Shelly Farmer says
March 13, 2021 at 3:13 amThe Smith family was so good to me and I loved being in their home growing up. Sending love to Bonnie, Linda, Garrett, Meri, Carol, Julie, and their extended families.
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:16 amShelly, it was so good to see you at the funeral. Thank you so much for coming and for your love!
Shirley Fuller says
March 14, 2021 at 6:09 pmSmith/Horton Family: My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you and yours. Leo was a gentle soul and I always loved seeing him and his beautiful wife at church. His presence will be greatly missed and will leave a small hole in the ward’s heart.
Merianne Horton says
March 17, 2021 at 9:27 pmThank you so much, Shirley, for your kind words. It means a lot!
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:18 amThank you, Shirley. We appreciate your compassion and love for our family.
Nannette Stone says
March 17, 2021 at 1:59 amDear Bonnie and family, I am so grateful to have known and been counseled by Leo. What a great example he was to us all. Rick used to refer to him as my friend Leo. What a blessing he has been to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Aren’t we lucky to know where he is and that he is with his family who have passed on! Love to all of you.
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:20 amThank you, Nannette. Yes, we are eternally grateful for the knowledge of Heavenly Father’s plan for all his children. Thank you for your sweet words.
Chris Schneck says
March 18, 2021 at 10:26 pmLeo Smith was such a wonderful person whom I met back 17 years ago ! He always had a smile, love for others and so much fun to chat with as we had so much in common. He will be immensely missed but will NEVER be forgotten. I feel the same with Bonnie as well and love them both. Friends forever, Chris Schneck
Robyn Cornell says
March 22, 2021 at 4:45 pmI am Leo’s great neice, I am his sister Geneve’s granddaughter, Robyn. My dad is Douglas Cornell, Leo’s nephew. We wish your family peace. Leo lived a beautiful long life and how about 65 years of marriage. What a beautiful thing.
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:24 amThank yo, Robyn!
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:22 amChris, both of my parents know how much you care for them. Thank you for your attention and care for them!
Mary Ellen Pace says
March 20, 2021 at 6:46 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with your family. My life has been greatly blessed by your family as you raised a lovely daughter Julie. She invited me to church and was such a fine missionary, even at the young age of 12. I was one of the many influenced by you to be baptized. My life has been richly blessed by the gospel. I know that Leo and you,Bonnie, set a wonderful example and many have been blessed because of it. It was wonderful to be connected to Leo’s memorial service today and to hear the out pouring of love for a great father, husband and grandfather.
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:28 amMary Ellen, we’re glad that you were able to view the funeral service. Thank you for sharing your memories and kind words as well.
Randall Keele says
March 20, 2021 at 10:25 pmYou will be sorely missed uncle Leo.
Merianne Horton says
March 26, 2021 at 3:25 amThank you so much! He loved your family!
shirin shiekh blackwell says
August 10, 2026 at 10:27 pmHello, Merianne, My name is Shirin. I was a friend of your sister Julie when you lived in Texas. She was the reason I joined the church. Your parents were always so welcoming to me. I have tried to find Julie over the years, to no avail. I was hoping you could re-connect us. I see she is no longer married to Marty. I would love to catch up – it’s been so long since 1978/79. I served punch at their reception and flew to visit them in UT one summer. If possible, please do give her my contact info. I was happy to read your Dad’s obituary….he lived a beautiful life. Your Mom still looks amazing. Such a great couple. Blessings.
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