T. Gordon Smith

T. Gordon Smith, age 100, of Clyde Park, Montana, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019. A funeral service in honor of Gordon will be held 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 11, at the Wilsall Community Church. Viewing will be available at Franzen-Davis on Tuesday from Noon-7:00 P.M., family will be present from 5-6. Reception will follow the service at the church and burial will conclude the services at Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston.Gordon was born June 12, 1919 to Roscoe and Edna (Gilbert) Smith, the second of three siblings, who lived on a small farm 5 miles east of Clyde Park, Montana. He and his sister rode horseback to a one room schoolhouse for grade school. He graduated from Clyde Park High School in 1936. Immediately he rented a small farm that bordered his Dads farm and raised livestock. Gordon married Eva Mae Olsen December 10, 1943. They had two children, Todd and Carlene. Eva Mae was a great helpmate for a rancher, hardworking, raising a big garden, chickens, cooking for the family and bringing up their children to love the Lord. In 1946 they bought land on Chicken Creek. In 1947 Park Electric Co-Op ran a line through the area and they then built a new home. Gordon liked to till the soil, see the crops grow and then receive the Lord's reward at harvest. Gordon enjoyed his cattle and going to bull sales, even the Feddes Sale when he was 99. His calves won many awards at stock shows.In his younger years Gordon enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially the fishing trips to Crazy Mountain Lakes. He also enjoyed basketball and faithfully attended home games. District, divisional and state tournaments with family were special times. He was blessed to watch his great grandchildren play basketball, even a state tournament at the age of 99.Gordon loved the Shields Valley, with mountain views in all directions and never had a desire to live anywhere else. He had the privilege of being the Grand Marshall at Old Settlers' Days in Clyde Park in the fall of 2003. Thru the years more land has been added to the original property. Gordon continued to farm until the age of 95 and worked together with his son, Todd for many years. He was pleased Todd and Brent will continue the operation.Eva Mae passed away June 25, 1994. They had enjoyed 50 1/2 years of marriage. He was fortunate to then marry his long-time friend Dody Gilbert on October 29, 1995. They enjoyed 13 years together before she passed away Dec. 2, 2008. Gordon is also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gilbert; sister-in-law, Winona; his sister, Aileen Ward; brother-in-law, Jack, and twin granddaughters, Angela and Annette Smith. Gordon is survived by his son, Todd, and daughter in-law, Dee; daughter, Carlene McCrea and son in-law, Tom; grandson, Jason and his wife Becky, and grandson, Brent; great-grandchildren, Kailey Smith, Trent and fianc Chelsea; stepdaughter, Deanna Larson, stepson-in-law, Ron; niece, Virginia Ward; nephews, Dan Ward and wife Sherry, and Gary Ward, several cousins, great nieces and nephews, and longtime special friend Laura Bristol.Gordon lived his lifelong dream of farming and ranching. He was loved and will be missed by many close friends, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and he loved his family dearly. Gordon was unwavering in his belief in his Lord and Savior, Jesus. He was always an example of faithfulness and kindness to his family and those around him. "... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15If so desired, memorials may be directed to Wilsall Community Church, PO Box 92, Wilsall MT, 59086 or The Shields Valley Rebel Booster Club, Clyde Park, MTFranzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.