Wendell A. Smith, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024 joining his wife, Pamila and two sons, Dustin and Jared, in the next phase of their eternal journey.   

Wendell was born in Malad, Idaho on June 10th, 1940, a son of Alvin and Vera Gleed Smith.  He was the third of six children.  Wendell’s early years were spent working on the family ranch near Deep Creek, Idaho alongside his mom, dad, four sisters and younger brother.  When not working alongside his mom and dad, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding horses, and experiencing the great outdoors.  During his Junior and Senior High school years, Wendell was involved in school leadership, seminary council and excelled in sporting competitions, especially football and basketball. 

After high school and a year at Ricks College, he served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States Mission, which led to a deep conversion and lifelong service in the church.  His mission experiences shaped the rest of his life and made him into the man, teacher, leader, and friend that we know and love.

Wendell joined the Utah Air National Guard from 1965-1971 and worked as a US Forest Service Engineer to put himself through school.  He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Utah State University in 1967.

After a short courtship, on March 18, 1966, he married Pamila Anderson in the Logan, Utah Temple.  Following their marriage and after graduating from Utah State, he returned to live in Malad and enjoyed being close to old friends as well as family.  He honored his divine role and solemn responsibility as husband, father and patriarch in the family.  He, in partnership with his wife, raised two sons in love and righteousness, always presiding, providing, protecting, teaching principles and instilling values and morals in them. He enjoyed many family outings, fishing and hunting, trips to Jackson Hole, Cody, Wyoming, the family cabin in Island Park,
and Disneyland.

Wendell worked for Malad High School as a teacher and coach (1967-1979), and later at Thiokol as an engineer.  He loved teaching, was a gifted and natural teacher, and his students appreciated his ability to explain complex principles in simple language.  When not at work or volunteering with his church responsibilities, most evenings he would spend several hours on his part time and hobby farm near Deep Creek.  During the weekends, Wendell could be found hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, on the Oxford Mountain, or working on his farm with his sons.  Even in the last months of his life Wendell was known to be fishing with his grandkids or in the mountains four-wheeling with his friends. Wendell followed his children to many football, basketball, and baseball games as well as musical concerts and plays.  As he and Pam found themselves empty nesters, they traded the farm for a cabin in Island Park, Idaho where he loved to fish and ride his four-wheeler.  

Wendell spent much of his life dedicated in service to others.  He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in various church callings including Elders Quorum President, Stake High Council, Bishopric Counselor, Stake Presidency Counselor, and Bishop.  Later in life he was asked to teach again as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher.  Wendell and Pam served and cherished together, a Senior couple’s mission to Atlanta, Georgia.  Following their mission, he and Pam served as Stake Family History Directors and as temple workers in the Logan and Brigham City, Utah temples.  Most importantly, he was valiant in his testimony of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Restored Gospel. 

Wendell is survived by a son, Jedd (Missy) of Meridian, Idaho, nine grandchildren, and one sister and brother.  

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, a stillborn son Jared, a son Dustin, and his beloved wife Pam.  Wendell never forgot about his wife and sons, visiting their graves regularly with flowers, a soda pop, and deep emotion.  He eagerly anticipated a sweet reunion on the other side of the veil.  He will be remembered for his diligence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his kindness, love, and example of compassion.

A viewing was held at the Malad Stake Center on Monday, January 6th from 7-9 P.M., and on Tuesday, January 7th from 10:30-11:30 A.M. Funeral services followed at noon on Tuesday, January 7th.