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THOMAS H.B. "BENTON" SMITH, 84, of Jerome, passed away May 2, 2008 in Twin Falls. Benton was born July 24, 1923 in Keytesville, Missouri, the son of Paul Wesley Smith and Olga Lucille Crawford Smith. He was raised in Keytesville and attended schools there. Benton served his country in the United States Army during World War II.

He married Florence P. Foglesong on November 17, 1946 in Keytesville. They raised three children. Benton spent most of his working life in dairy agriculture. He spent 16 years with the State of California Department of Corrections Dairy Unit as a Dairy Foreman. He and Florence settled in Jerome where Benton was a herdsman and dairyman. Benton loved gardening, camping and especially gatherings with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife and friend of 61 years, Florence Smith of Jerome; their daughter Beverly (Randy) Robertson of Aurora, Colorado; their son Stephen (Linda) Smith of Huntsville, Missouri; 17 grandchildren (including spouses) as well as 15 great-grandchildren who all loved and have learned so much from “Grandpa.” He is also survived by five sisters, three brothers and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Benton was preceded in death by his parents, his son David Smith, and his brother Wayne Smith.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Summerville Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Fox of the United Methodist Church, officiating. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 12:00 noon, prior to the service. Interment will take place in the Asbury Cemetery, Keytesville, Missouri. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in Benton’s name to: Jerome United Methodist Church, 211 S. Buchanan, Jerome, ID 83338.