Orville Lester Smith

Orville Lester Smith, 83, was born on December 28, 1936 in Hillsboro, North Dakota to Lila (Hagen) and Ordean Smith. He was the third of six children. He was both baptized and confirmed in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

He attended public schools in Hillsboro until his enlistment in the USAF on December 12, 1956. He was assigned to the Strategic Air Command; his military career spanned 27 years, 10 months, and four days. He retired from active duty on November 30, 1981 and was assigned to retired reserve status until January 27, 1984.

While stationed at Grand Forks AFB, ND, he met his future wife of 56 years, Ardis Hoefs of Fairmount, ND. They were married in Emerado, ND on March 21, 1964.

They were first stationed at Bergstrom AFB, Austin, TX and in 1968 while Orville was on duty in Southeast Asia (Vietnam) their first son, Lonnie was born in Breckenridge, MN. Four years later (1972) their second son, Lester, was born at Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, SD. Their third son, Lyndon was born in 1975 at Torrejon AFB in Madrid, Spain.

From Spain the Family transferred to Mildon Hall RAFB, Lakenheath, England and then to Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX. The family’s final move was to Denver, CO in July of 1982.

Orville was employed at Plastic Design Manufacturing as Quality Control Manager for six years and then at Commerce Bank of Aurora for the next five years.

Orville dedicated 31 years to care-giving duties, which he shared with Ardis, for their quadriplegic son, Lester, from July 1988 until his death on May 27, 2019.

Orville enjoyed being a Cub Scout leader when the boys were young, fishing, camping, travelling, being involved with the Elderberries senior group of Our Father Lutheran Church and serving on the bereavement committee. His greatest joy was his family and especially being grandpa to his precious, Riley Anne.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Ordean and Lila Smith, his sister, Betty Roy, and his son, Lester Jeremy.

He is survived by his wife Ardis (Ardie), sons Lonnie and Lydon, daughters-in-law Jonna Fitzgerald Smith and Erin Smith Henderson, granddaughter, Riley Anne, sisters Mary (Ben) Buntjer and Gloria Schak and brothers Darrell (Lonnie) and Jerry, and sister-in-law Katherine (Katie) Dwello as well as several nieces and nephews.

Orville died on Wednesday, December 3, 2020 at Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO of Covid 19.

This man of quiet dignity, patriotism, deep and abiding faith will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation and funeral service for Orville will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 from 11:00am until 12:30pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary. Orville will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Due to COVID restrictions seating is limited to 40 people for the visitation and service.

Orville was an avid Broncos fan so please feel free to wear your orange and blue.