Vernon R. Smith

Vernon R. Smith, Jr. of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2024 at the age of 92. Vernon was born to Vernon R. Smith Sr. and Eveline Springer Smith in Hagerstown, MD, on July 31st, 1931. Vernon and his family moved to Baltimore, MD in 1938, and he spent the rest of his childhood there. After graduating from high school, Vernon attended Towson State Teachers College. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, CO. While stationed at Lowry, Vernon met the woman who would become his wife: Meredith Maxine (Osbourn) Smith. Meredith and Vernon were married for 71 years, until Meredith’s death in 2023.

Vernon served in the Air Force for 9 years, then completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering at the University of Denver. Vernon taught math in public schools, moving into school administration, and ultimately serving as Superintendent of Mountain Valley School District in southern Colorado.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Vernon loved to fish, often taking the family to spend the day in the Colorado mountains, picnicking and fishing. Vernon also loved music, serving as Cantor at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westminster during much of the 1970’s. Later, he and Meredith were choir members at Spirit of Christ Catholic Church in Westminster. Vernon also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and a good glass of scotch every now and then.

Vernon is preceded in death by his wife, Meredith, his sister Georgiana Smith Auvil and her husband (Don). Vernon is also preceded in death by his niece, Donna Auvil Sudano (George), and his nephew Robert Auvil. Vernon is survived by his children, Michael, Mary K. (Miriam Kapner), and Tim (Amy Goetz Smith), and his grandchildren, Caity Smith (Tustin LeVault), and Caleb Smith (Maddi Johnson).

A vigil and rosary will be held at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, June 25th at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community (7400 W. 80th Ave, Arvada, CO 80003). A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 26th at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Vernon’s honor to Colorado State Parks (https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Donate.aspx).