John Lawrence Smith

John was born on May 23, 1941 in Lynwood, CA to John Henry Smith and Helen Bruckler.  He had 2 older sisters, Betty and Marie.  He worked construction and eventually became an airline mechanic.  He married Priscilla Jean Coover on April 14, 1962.  They were married for a remarkable 57 years!  Early into their marriage, he was in a life-changing automobile accident that left him disabled but they learned to survive and thrive in their new situation.  They raised 2 daughters, Stacy and Christy, and provided one of the best childhoods any child could ask for with their love.  He was blessed with 7 grandchildren (one by marriage to his grandson but he loved her as if she was his own) and 2 great-granddaughters as well as 2 sons-in-law that he loved and more importantly trusted with his daughters.  John loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping, but his one true love was his family.  The world revolved around his wife and family.  He would do anything in the world for them.  His family paid this tribute to him, “He was an extraordinary man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, he was an amazing example of love, understanding and kindness and lived his life with integrity and grit.  He will be missed immensely but will live on in our hearts and those hearts of who he touched.”

He is survived by his wife, 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law (Harold and Josh), 7 grandchildren (Mike, Matt, Christian, Hunter, Hailey, Rylie and Denisse) and 2 great-granddaughters (Violet and Nova).