Paul Smith Obituary

Paul Smith attended Central High School in Rapid City, SD. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Paul Smith.

Graduation Year	Class of 1977
Date of Passing	Feb 23, 2014
About	Paul K. Smith passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Paul was born on Nov. 10, 1958 in Rapid City to Guy and Myrnaloy Smith. Paul graduated from Rapid City Central High School tenth in his class of five hundred students. He was proud to be a COBBLER and believed that ‘once a Cobbler, always a Cobbler’. Paul joined his graduating class in building a Habitat for Humanity house in 2012 for their 35th reunion project. Paul was also a photographer and reporter for the school paper, the Pine Needle. Paul played Baritone in the high school band and he took over two hundred pictures while traveling with the Band in Europe where they had the opportunity to record a record to bring home of their performance. He was also a delegate from Central High School to Boy’s State. Paul went on to get a bachelors degree in accounting at the University of South Dakota and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He then attained his CPA degree and worked for American Colloid, Merillat, Dakota Panel and was currently employed at the Rapid City Journal as the controller. Paul was a Cub Scout, Webelos, and Boy Scout with parents being involved. Several trips with troop 1187 were adventures to the Bighorn Mountains. Paul earned the GOD and COUNTRY award and attained the rank of EAGLE SCOUT. Paul volunteered for the Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and was the Chief for the last 12 years. Paul dedicated his life to helping his community, the county and the state. Paul built his home near Rockerville with the help of family and friends. He took great pride in his place and was always working on making it better. He served as the treasurer on the building committee for his church, South Maple United Methodist, during the building of the education wing. He will be remembered as a giving and caring man who loved his family and gave his all to whatever project or cause he was involved in, and he was always involved in one project or another. His passion for helping others, his friendly smile, gentle demeanor and humble heart will leave a lasting impression on all who knew him. Paul enjoyed hunting, ATVing, gardening, and being in the great outdoors. Paul’s parents considered they were blessed in having a son that was given many gifts. He was taught to respect all ages and to use his wisdom wisely. Life is precious. Grateful for having shared his life are his parents, Guy and Myrnaloy Smith of Rapid City; his sisters, Patty (Steve) Goodro of Rapid Valley and Loyann (Harry) Kistler of Black Hawk; his girlfriend, Karen Parkison of Rapid City; many and nieces, nephews, and cousins; his brothers of SAE and his brother and sister firefighters. Paul was preceded in death by an infant sister, Karen Marie; grandparents, Herman and Eva Sebade and Rolla and Navita Smith; an uncle, Boyd Sebade; two aunts, Arla Sabo and Helen Sebade and a cousin, David Sebade. Visitation will be held at South Maple United Methodist Church on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 5 – 7pm. The celebration of his life will be Thursday, Feb. 27, at 10:30am, at Calvary Lutheran Church, the Rev. John McKnight, Jr. officiating, with visitation for one hour before. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City. There will then be a reception and luncheon at South Maple United Methodist Church after the committal. A memorial has been established to the Rockerville Volunteer Fire Dept. Friends may sign Paul’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.