1938-2024

Dean Lee Smith, 85, of Canton, passed away April 19, 2024, in Tyler. He was born November 11, 1938, in Dane County, Wisconsin to Maurice Dean Smith and Erma Margaret Wittenwyler Smith.

Dean grew up in Wisconsin. He joined the U.S. Army and over the next 26 years, he was stationed in several interesting places like Germany, Hawaii and Texas. Dean served during the Vietnam War as an LVN. He was able to use his training to teach medical courses at Brooke Army Medical Center for many years. When he retired, he said he was moving to East Texas. Dean had a big connection to animals, especially horses and cows. Living in Canton for the past 30 years allowed him to enjoy his horses. He was a past member of the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, the Canton Trail Riders, and enjoyed going to rodeos.

He enjoyed coaching the Canton Eaglettes, traveling, going on cruises, dancing, and sports. Dean was a member of the First Baptist Church in Canton. He was a very loving and helpful person who was always happy and moving...he never sat down.

Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his wife, Dianne Smith; parents, Maurice and Erma Smith; brother, Craig Smith; and his sister, Judy Pass.

Dean is survived by his son, Rick Smith; two granddaughters: Danielle and Randall Fleming and Chelsea and Kyle Mireles; eight great-grandchildren: Jonathan Fleming, Dean Fleming, Roy Fleming, Andrew Fleming, Damian Mireles, Eisley Mireles, Rowan Mireles and Harper Mireles; and sister, Shelley, and Tom Barry.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10 am Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Canton with Pastor Mike Roberson officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:15 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.