Sylvester John Smith

March 13th, 1944 - March 28th, 2025 (Age 81)

Lived in Salem, Oregon all his life until his passing on March 28th, 2025, at

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield, Oregon

Sylvester was born in Salem to Sylvester John Smith II & Juliana G Smith on

March 13th, 1944. He attended Serra Catholic High School then Graduated from North Salem High School in 1962. Married for 58 years to the love of his life, Mary Lou Smith, on June 11th, 1966, in Reno, Nevada at The Park Wedding Chapel.

Butch worked as a millwright and supervisor for Mead Paper products for many years until he eventually retired. He then went on to work for the Oregon State Lottery as a technician from November 2000 to retire once again in March 2014.

He loved hunting, fishing, spending time in his beautiful backyard that includes a koi pond and stunning landscaping. He enjoyed playing Keno, watching the stock market, flying to Laughlin, and his Hamms beer. But his most priceless days were those he spent with his family and friends which included his daily talks on the phone to his sister and best friend, Julie, about the stock market. He was a great husband, special brother, the best father, a top grandpa “Pops” & a blessed friend to so many.

Butch is survived and missed by his wife, Mary Lou, and his children, Melissa Roner (Josh) and Corey Smith (Cindy). He is forever loved by his grandchildren, Quentin Smith (Lexi); Austin Smith (Katelyn Larsen) & Holden Roner. His memory will be cherished by his inherited daughter, Shannan Chaney and grandsons, Ethan & Eli Chaney; sister, Juliana Cutsforth (John); brother, Al Smith (Laurie); brother-in-law, Dick Clark (Norma); sisters-in-law, Carol Burck, Rose Clark & Kathy Smith as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Proceeded in death by his father, Sylvester J Smith II; mother, Juliana Smith; stepmom, Annette Smith; brothers-in-law, Carl Burck, Darrell Currier, Freddie Clark and sister-in-law, Gloria Currier & Jan Clark.

Special thank you to Dr William Pierce and the wonderful people at Oregon Oncology and their infusion team as well as nurse Vicki for going above and beyond to become a lifelong friend. We could not have made this journey without all of you. Additionally, we thank PeaceHealth Sacred Medical Center in Springfield for your amazing care not only for Butch but also to his family during his final days with us. You were top-notch--it will never be forgotten.

The biggest thank you goes to the countless family & friends that have and continue to give us their time and amazing support. We love you all!!

Fly high in the sky while watching us from above. We miss you!!

Celebration of Life to follow April 26th, 2025, from 2-5 pm at North Third in Stayton, Oregon