John "Snake" Smith

“PEACE AND LOVE” These are words John ended every interaction with and succinctly communicated what was in his heart. John Mark Smith was born on September 19, 1941, in Toppenish, Washington, the second child of Paul Lee and Nellie Sue (Macon) Smith. He was the only one of the seven siblings to be born in the house his father built. He attended schools in the city of his birth and graduated from Toppenish High School. John was a military man to his heart and served in the US Army, Marines and Navy. As a veteran he could be seen playing the snare drums in a variety of venues. After retiring John became a loving and devoted caregiver for his mother (known as Grandma Nellie) for many years. Imagine his joy at entering heaven to see her more alive than ever! John was a man of many talents that he shared as a member of many community organizations, (which will be detailed and highlighted at his upcoming Celebration of Life - date and time to be determined). One of his favorite things to do in life was to fly airplanes and he was a certified pilot/ flight instructor. John was a member of the United Pentecostal Church in Toppenish, WA., where he attended both the English and Spanish speaking services, played the drums in each and even occasionally taught Sunday School. John transitioned to glory on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Toppenish, Washington. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”. He leaves to mourn his passing his remaining siblings, Gloria Smith of Yakima, Washington and Grace Smith of Monroe, N.C., in addition to nephews, Malcolm Smith of Los Angeles, CA., Maurice (Melissa) Hamilton of Edmonds, Wa., Alana Smith of Troutdale, Oregon, Renata (Adam) Smith-Morris of Tigard, Oregon, Frunzino Blake of Portland, Oregon, Derrick Jackson of Bay Area, CA., Danielle Jackson of Washington D.C., plus grand and great grand nieces and nephews. He also leaves a loving community including brothers and sisters with whom he served in the military, brothers and sisters in Christ, cousins, and many friends, among others. John was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Joyce Durrett, Gladys Jackson, James Smith and Paul Smith. Services for John are as follows at Heggie’s Colonial Funeral Home in Toppenish, WA.: ***Viewing Monday, March 11, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by Gravesite Service to include military honors ***John’s family will host a Celebration of Life (Date and Time to be determined - prayerfully sometime in April, 2024) The Smith family wishes to express their deepest thanks to the Yakama Warriors , Stephen Busby, Tom Anderson, Maurice Hamilton and so many others who went above and beyond the call of duty to show their love and support to John during his life, illness and death and in so many ways that can’t be numbered!! May God richly bless each of you. The family of John Smith kindly asks for donations towards the funeral arrangements for John. If you can help, please donate to Heggie's Colonial Funeral Home in Toppenish or at the GoFundMe page using this link--> https://gofund.me/e9bf1ed9, it would be greatly appreciated. Address and number for Colonial below. Thank you. Colonial Funeral Home 228 S. Alder St. Toppenish, WA 98948 (509)865-3222 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9AM-4PM

John "Snake" Smith

September 19, 1941 - February 27, 2024

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John "Snake" Smith

September 19, 1941 - February 27, 2024

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