Walter was born in Oklahoma City on November 5th, 1932 to Clarence E. Smithee and Janie I. Smithee. He spent his childhood growing up in Walsh, Co.

He joined the United States Army on April 10th 1953 and enrolled in engineering school for diesel mechanic at Fort Belvoir, VA. He was then deployed to South Korea.

While serving, he achieved the rank of Sergeant and earned the following medals:

National Defense Service Medal

Korean Service Medal

United Nations Service Medal

Meritorious Unit Citation

Good Conduct Medal

He was honorably discharged from active service and went on to serve in the army reserves.

Still in his 20s, he moved to California with several family members for a while to take advantage of the construction boom that was happening there. While living and working in Los Angeles, he had two children, Craig and Karen.

He moved his young family back to Walsh to work in the pump service with his father. After closing that business, he found much happiness driving big rigs wherever they would take him. He really enjoyed being on the road.

He met the love of his life, June, later in life and they had a very happy 25 years together. They shared many adventures, made great memories, raised a bunch of grandkids, and loved each other very much.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence & Janie Smithee, sister Norma Belmont, and brother Johnnie Smithee.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, June, sister Amy Hyde of Bull Head City, AZ., Brother Charles & wife Catherine of Canadian, TX., sons Craig Smithee of Greeley, CO., Donnie Casey of Walsh, CO., daughters Karen & husband Robert Renteria of Amarillo, TX., Sharla & husband Kyle Lasley of Lamar, CO., and Dee & husband Glenn of McClave, Co.

He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to those who cared for Walt during his time at Maplewood Homes and Walsh Healthcare center. He was fond of his caregivers and spoke well of all of you. Thanks so very much.