Marlin 'Smitty' Smith

MARLIN "SMITTY" SMITH

Cedar Rapids

Marlin "Smitty" Smith passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, April 2, 2022. He went the way he had wanted: he fell asleep in his favorite chair and woke up with his bride of 39 years, who was waiting for him in Heaven.

Smitty was born March 11, 1946, in Cedar Rapids and grew up in Lisbon, Iowa. He graduated from Lisbon High School in 1964. In 1967, he met Karen Kent at a party and fell instantly in love with her. He told her on their first date that he was going to marry her. Karen just laughed. They wed on July 27, 1968.

They moved to Arizona in 1970, where he began his career as a carpet contractor and she as a nurse. They put down roots and made many lifelong friends in Arizona, to add to the many lifelong friends from Iowa. Smitty enjoyed fishing, camping and a good practical joke. He and Karen really enjoyed the PT Cruiser Club they joined in later life and went on many fun cruising adventures together.

Smitty was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie "Bud" and Helena Smith (Calkins); his sister, Megan Smith Read; and his wife, Karen Smith.

He is survived by his siblings, Marlene (Bob) Zimmels, Kim (Bruce) Nye and Cameron (Anna) Smith. In addition, his children, Sage (Jason) Bast and Luke (Jonnie) Smith; and grandchildren, Isabel, Noah, Elijah, Aubrey and Novalie.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Central Christian Church, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Christian Church of Arizona or Hospice of the Valley.