Jeffery Wayne Smith of Mitchell, SD, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Jeffery's children carry forward what was given to them.
Jeffery Smith, 63, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.Jeff was born on July 31, 1962, in Brownfield, Texas, to Darrell and Donna (Daywitt) Smith.He was united in marriage to Lynn Hysell on May 10, 1980, and together they welcomed three children: Kenni, Jeff Jr., and Ashley. Throughout his life, Jeff was known for his sense of humor and exceptional mechanical skills; if something was broken, he could always fix it.After many years of farming in Ideal, SD, Jeff found joy in working with his hands. Whether it was tinkering with farm equipment or vehicles, he found true happiness in fixing, building, or breathing new life into things. When the family moved from the farm to town (Winner, SD), that same enthusiasm continued. Most notably, he found a passion for collecting and restoring old Coleman lanterns. According to his loved ones, however, that care was perhaps most evident in the kitchen, where he spent time canning, baking, and cooking, and sharing what he made with the people around him. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: a cold Busch Light, country music, hosting friends and family in the backyard, and finding a good deal online. If he could get anything for a penny cheaper, he would.Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jeff (Janelle) Smith of Mitchell, Kenni Smith of Plankinton and Ashley (Jeff) Hanson of Mitchell; 12 grandchildren, six great grandkids, siblings, Sherry (Bill) Shreiner of Gregory, SD and Kay (Curt) Jacobsen of Dallas, SD; Brother in-law Boyd (Kay) Hysell of Stewartville, MN and a host of nieces, nephews, and additional family.He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Donna; his siblings, Ionia (Bob) Klein, Jody L. Smith, and James A. Smith; his niece, Melissa Brunmeier; and his great-nephew, Tyler Brunmeier.
