Graveside service for Morris James Smith, 85, Lawton will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday November 30, 2013 at the American Fork Cemetery, American Fork Utah. Mr. Smith died Monday, November 25 in Lawton. Local arrangements are with the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home. Morris was born September 22, 1928 in Alpine, Utah to Dean and Nancy (Holman) Smith. Upon the death of his mother Mary, in 1929, Morris was blessed by a second mother and father, his aunt and uncle Elva (Smith) and LaDrue David Varney. He married the love of his life, Edith Elaine Brown, in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 21, 1947. Their marriage was blessed by three children Scott and his wife Karen Smith, Stephanie Smith Ralston, and Sharm and his wife Susan Smith; 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. A beloved father, husband and friend to all, Morris was a man of the highest integrity, an obedient son, and an incredibly supportive husband, who taught all with his kindness and love. He played many roles in life including student body president (American Fork HS); inter-collegiate basketball (Utah State '50); Captain, US Army); Manager (Bon Marche, Richland, Walla Walla, Pendleton, and Ogden); CEO (Pike Mgf.); President, Director, community leader (Utah Retail Merchants Assoc.; United Way, American Cancer Society, Rotary, Utah Transit Authority and many other civic causes and organizations). He dutifully served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in home ward bishoprics, the Provo Missionary Training Center, as a missionary, temple worker and in Indexing Family History Records. Morris was a lover of the seas and skies: a sportsman, instrument rated pilot, and captain of a 45' motorsailer that for years plied the waters off the west coast of Mexico. Always a lover of projects and making a difference, his last 20 winters were spent in humanitarian service and exemplifying the works of Christ in serving the children and families of Los Ayala, Mexico. He was a builder: at first a bungalow for the missionaries; then a church branch; and an after school library for the village school kids. These projects eventually included bathrooms for the local grade school, basketball courts for the community children, and a new school building for the kindergarten. Together with Elaine, they made sure there was always a coat, a pair of shoes, or a meal for those in need. Yes, he loved projects and construction, but what he really loved was building people. Most of all, Morris loved and built up his grandchildren. He was always there with a loving word, sure advice, and great support. He led his family by example offering hard work, education, and entrepreneurship as his guide. He then followed with humility as he loved to share testimony of his Savior with his actions, his love, and his concern. While his family is rejoicing he has returned home to his parents, he will be sorely missed. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Fundacion Ayala, c/c 26 NW Lakewood Dr., Lawton, OK 73505