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Vernon Smith, 88, Hensler, ND died September 21, 2024 at his residence under the care of his family and hospice.  A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Stanton Civic Center.  Everyone will be welcome to share memories of Vernon.

Vernon was born June 29, 1936 in a cabin on the Stephen's Ranch east of Stanton along the Knife River.  He was the son of Clifford and Abigayle (Yunker) Smith.  He came into the world at the hands of both his grandmothers, Lottie Smith and Alma Yunker.  He attended school at Nebo country school.  The family moved to Stanton where he attended high school.  Vernon also attended college in Dickinson State College.  He then became an Ironworker and joined the Ironworkers Local 793.  Vernon married Sally Russell on April 27, 1963 in Stanton.  He worked for Basin Electric at Leland Olds Power Station and later transferred to Antelope Valley Station in Beulah.  He retired but then went to work for DGC as a pipeline inspector on a CO2 line to Canada.

Vernon also loved to raise cattle and drive tractor.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Sally; his children, Mack Smith, Annette (Bruce) Gappert and Russell (Robyn) Smith; his grandchildren, Ashley, James, Kortnie (Cory), Kyle, Karly, Dillon, Kaela (Mike), Lukas, Katelyn (Jordan); several great grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Jessie Smith; his sisters, Donna Maershbecker, Carol Russell and Jodene (John) Brown; a sister-in-law, Jane Clayton and many nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Locke and Cliff; his brother, James Smith; his sister, Jeanette (Lee) Stephens; his brothers-in-law, Bud Buchmann, Bill Russell and Ray Maershbecker; his nephews, Lonnie Russell and Charles Russell; a great nephew, Jay Folkins and a great niece, Brittney Buchmann.