Olen Edward Smith

Olen Edward Smith, 79, died Aug. 14, 2011, with his loving family at his side in Wasilla.

Memorial services in honor of Olen are at 2 p.m., Aug.18 at Manna Baptist Church, 10151 Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla, with Pastor Steve Cardin officiating.

Olen was born Aug. 27, 1931, in Leek County, Miss., to Jim and Bertha (Brewer) Smith.

Olen completed the 10th grade and also took locksmith classes in technical school. He later served his country in the U.S. Army, was a Korean War veteran and retired from Fort Richardson in 1979. Olen once owned a masonry company in Alabama, but later served 15 years in civil service at Fort Richardson. Olen was a member of the Manna Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, gardening and woodworking.

The family wrote, “He was a very hard worker, a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.”

Olen is preceded in death by his father, Jim Smith; mother, Bertha Brewer; brothers, Earl Smith and James Smith; and sisters, Katie Smith and Nell Owens.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Annie Lou Smith of Wasilla; son, Ricky Gene Smith of Anchorage; daughter in-law, Vicki A. Smith of Anchorage; granddaughter, Mary Beth Smith of Anchorage; grandson, Andrew Wayne Smith of Anchorage; grandson, Edward Clabun Smith of Anchorage; son, Olen Daniel Smith of Anchorage; daughter in-law, Sylvia Dawn Smith of Anchorage; grandson, Joel Daniel Smith of Anchorage; grandson, Joshua Olen Smith of Anchorage; granddaughter, Hannah Catherine Smith of Anchorage; sister, Ruby D. Nobles of Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers you may make memorial donations in honor of Olen to Manna Baptist Church, 10151 Palmer-Wasilla Hwy., Palmer, AK 99645.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory cared for the family.