Dr. Smith passed away May 14, 2018
1 June 10, 1942 – May 14, 2018
Urby Duane Smith ’68, age 75, died May 14 in Hot Springs, SD. He was born to Urby and Mary (Foree) Smith in Long Beach, California, while his father worked at the Naval Shipyard during World War II. After the war, they returned to Grand Junction, Colorado, eventually moving to Hot Springs when he was in the 6th grade. He attended public schools in Grand Junction and Hot Springs before completing a BA in chemistry at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduating from Loma Linda University as a medical doctor specializing in internal medicine. In 1964 he married Evelyn Prunty, and to this union were born 3 sons. During the Vietnam War he served in the Navy at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona. In his career as an internal medicine and family doctor, he practiced in Nicaragua, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Palau. Duane enjoyed flying the Piper Comanche airplane that he co-owned with a friend, traveling with his family, snow skiing, and waterskiing. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Evie. Remaining to honor his life are his sons, Brad (Courtney), Jeff (Tammy), and Tim, and his grandchildren, Anna and Connor. He was laid to rest at Black Hills National Cemetery in a private service. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the excellent care he received from the staff at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home over the last 4 years.