Anton Caleb Smith

Anton Caleb “Ace” Smith of Castle Rock, Colorado passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at the age of 24. He was born on September 4, 1997 in Chornoglasivka, Kharkiv Region, Ukraine. Anton lived with his biological family until age 4, when he was moved to the Krasnokutsk Children’s Home in Krasnokutsk, Ukraine. In 2003, Anton and his older sister Maria were adopted by Jay and Tijian Smith and brought to Colorado.

Anton attended Northridge Elementary and Summit View Elementary in Highlands Ranch and then Shepherd of the Hills Christian School in Centennial. He was homeschooled from 8th grade until graduation. His special-needs tutor, Sara Zillinger, was a huge benefit to Anton’s education. He received a high school diploma in May, 2016, and after that he continued his studies by completing a program at the Colorado Culinary Academy.

Anton served briefly in the US Army in 2017-18. Although he was discharged before completing basic training due to medical issues, Ace cherished his time in the military and thought of himself as a veteran ever after. He was always fascinated by the military and law enforcement and was always sure to strike up a conversation with any soldier or policeman that he met.

Ace worked for numerous businesses in Castle Rock. He loved to do jobs that kept him physically active and outdoors. He was proud of his strong work ethic. At the time of his death, he had been working for Home Depot in Castle Rock in the tool rental department. He enjoyed working there immensely and looked forward to continuing his career there.

Anton enjoyed talking things apart and putting them back together in new combinations, usually covering parts of them in a bright coat of spray paint. He loved to work on cars and frequently tinkered with his beloved motorcycle.

Ace found joy in being around people and talking to them – any kind of people, of any age and from all walks of life. He considered everyone his friend and willingly forgave any slights that he received. He gave generously of all that he had, even when he had next to nothing. He loved to ask interesting questions of the people he met, and in turn loved to share what he learned. He relished chatting with neighbors and used-car dealers and pawn brokers. He had the heart of an entrepreneur and enjoyed buying, selling, and trading.

Anton is survived by:

Parents: Jay and Tijian Smith of Castle Rock;

Grandparents: Lucille Smith of Oklahoma City, OK, and Robert and Linda Lowenstein of Gilbert, AZ;

Siblings: Logan (Steven) Tokos of Tempe, AZ; Parker (Emily) Smith of Tempe, and Maria Harte of Castle Rock;

Nephews: Wesley Harte of Watertown, NY, and Malakhi Maki of Castle Rock.

Biological mother Irina Yuhta and siblings Irina (currently a refugee in Poland with her daughter Masha), Mikhail, and Maxim Yuhta in Ukraine.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Anton at Centennial Covenant Church, 401 W Mineral Ave in Littleton, Colorado, on Saturday, July 16 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anton’s memory can be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church Ukraine Relief Fund at https://giving.covchurch.org/priorities-detail/ukraine-response