Benjamin (Bennie) R. Smyer

Jun. 6, 1933 - Feb. 17, 2018

Date of Service: Feb. 23, 2018

Benjamin R. (Bennie) Smyer

ALBION – Benjamin (Bennie) Rufus Smyer, age 84, of Albion, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Pomerelle Place in Burley, surrounded by family.

Bennie was born June 6, 1933, in Albion, Idaho, the eldest son of Hattie Mae Miller and Ernest Lee Smyer. He was later joined by his brother and best friend, Norman.

He enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington. He retained his patriotism throughout his life and he was a proud member of the American Legion in Albion.

Bennie was a hard worker all of his life. He worked at Morgan Lindsey Bean Warehouse in Declo, and the JR Simplot company in Heyburn; however, he found his greatest joy and passion farming in Declo and later ranching in the Albion Valley.

He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a storyteller and a stranger to no one.

He is survived by his four children, Darren Smyer of Albion, Roxanne (Lawrence) Gillette of Declo, Rick (Cindy) Smyer of Mackay, and Dennie (Natalie) Smyer of Springdale; his brother, Norman (Delores) Smyer of Declo; and sister, Neva Bryant of Independence, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his ex-wife, Renee Eames Holtman.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Melinda Williams and staff at Idaho Home Health & Hospice, Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center, and Pomerelle Place.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 23, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Albion Ward, 889 S. Main St., in Albion, with Bishop Jason Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at the Albion Mormon Cemetery with military rites provided by the Albion American Legion and Mini-Cassia Veterans.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday preceding the funeral service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Albion Senior Citizens Center in Bennie’s name.