Willard K. “Bill” Smith of Hermiston died on Oct. 1, 2018 in Hermiston at the age of 90.
He was born on May 16, 1928 in Goshen to Hugh and Susie Baker Smith.
Bill was raised first in Paisley and later in Vaughn. He graduated from Crow High School in Crow. He joined the United States Navy and served in World War II and later in Korea before his honorable discharge. Bill was united in marriage to Eleanor “Elly” Kloehn on May 27, 1949 in Eugene. They moved to Lexington in 1972, where Bill owned and operated Lexington Machine Works until moving to Hermiston in 1985, where they have lived since.
He was a member of the Lutheran church, and a life member of the NRA, the Masonic Lodge and Hermiston VFW Post #4750. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, metal work, and most of all spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elly Smith, Hermiston; daughters, Barbara (Lee) Holly, Eugene, Karen (Don) Starr, La Grande and Kristine (Richard) Carpenter, Hermiston; son, Billy (Torie) Smith, Pendleton; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 from 1 until 5 p.m. at the family home.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
