Walter Merle Smith

Walter Merle Smith was born on April 18,1950 to parents Gloria "Billie" and Walter L. "Bud" Smith in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

The family moved to California when Walt was about 5 or 6 years old. There, Walt excelled in sports, playing football for Anaheim High School where he played half-back. The team won the CIF championship in 1967. Walt loved football and often talked of those days. He was very proud of that accomplishment.

In 1968 he met his wife, Vickie Lyles, who he would journey through life with for 54 years. Together they had four amazing children; Chez Smith, Walter Ryan Smith, Heidi (Dave) Vojnovich and Micah (Erin) Smith. And all because two kids fell in love, besides his wife and children, he also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren (soon to be 5). He also said good-bye to his baby sister, Donna Martensen, brothers Blake and Brian, and numerous nieces and nephews, all whom he adored.

In 2000 he and Vickie moved to Casper, WY where he reunited with his mother and siblings.
Walt worked in construction and in sales. He loved people and could make strangers into friends without much effort.

Walt's passions were fishing, treasure hunting, and gardening. He was known as "the tomato man" because of his generosity of sharing most of his garden's harvest. But his most precious blessing was his family.

Walter will be missed every single day. Parkinson's disease stole his later years, but he fought so hard until the very end, not giving up or giving in. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister, Linda Allen, and brother William. He passed away on November 3, 2023.

There will be a celebration of life here in Casper on December 3, 2023 at "Occasions by Cory" 303 S. Wolcott from 11am- 1pm.