Glanden 'Sonny' Smith

Glanden Earl"?Sonny" Smith Jr., age 80, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2008 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Gillette, Wyoming of an extended illness. Upon his wishes a private cremation service has taken place. Sonny was born July 16, 1927 in Haybro, Colorado the son of Glanden Earl and Julia (Suvada) Smith. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 and in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1970; he served in WW II, Korea, Japan, Alaska, Germany and Austria. After serving over twenty years in the U.S. Military, Sonny retired. He had received numerous medals and ribbons while serving in the Pacific, Atlantic theatres and the Korean War. Sonny married Deon (Palmer) Crookston on November 29, 1996 in Gillette, Wyoming. He enjoyed woodworking in his spare time. He was a lifetime member of VFW and a past member of the Masonic Lodge.Sonny is survived by his wife, step daughters, Sally Parkin of Gillette, Wyoming and Pat (Mike) Laveway of Libby, Montana, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, step grandsons, J.C. Parkin and Alex Parkin of Gillette, Wyoming and Ian Laveway of Libby Montana, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother in law Betty and Donald Powell and his son in law Bob Parkin.Memorials or condolences may be sent in his name to the Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or via the website: www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.