Earl Harlan Smith

Earl Harlan Smith, age 87, of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, returned to his Heavenly Home and was reunited with his eternal companion and wife, Marilyn, his parents, brothers, and son Randy on Sunday evening, August 2, 2026.

Earl was born July 6, 1939, in Grace, Idaho, to Harlan “Hack” Smith and Marvel Minnie Aylett Smith. The oldest of four children, he grew up with his brothers, Raymond Samuel and Roy Douglas, and his younger sister, Mary Ruth, who survives him and resides in Pocatello, Idaho.

Earl married Blenda Morrene Maxwell on April 14, 1956, and they had two children, Janet and Pat. They later divorced. On September 24, 1960, Earl married Marilyn Hathaway, and they were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 24, 1973. Together they had six children: Margene, Karen, Randy, Rosilee, William, and Natalie.

Earl is survived by his sister, Mary Ruth; his children, Margene Morris (Jonathan), Karen Holladay (Walter), Rosilee Lawson (Bret), William Smith (Shannon), Natalie Morrison (Darwin), Pat Mead (Margo), and Janet Hall (Stan); his daughter-in-law, Lisa Smith; 34 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his parents; his brothers, Raymond and Roy; and his son, Randy Earl Smith.

Earl was a firm, no-nonsense man who believed in hard work, service, and getting things done. A successful lifetime farmer while serving as the Lava Postmaster for 21 years, he still found countless hours to give back to his community. Naturally gifted in sports, he had a lifelong love of basketball and spent many years coaching and encouraging young athletes. Whether coaching, organizing community events, serving through the National League of Postmasters, or lending a hand wherever one was needed, Earl believed in being involved and making his community a better place.

Earl could make a friend wherever he went and was always ready with a joke to lift someone’s spirits—even to the very end. He treasured time spent with family and friends, whether playing cards or bingo, or simply sitting together and visiting.

Earl always ended a conversation with “Catch ya later.” With faith that goodbye is not forever, we’ll simply say—Catch ya later, Dad.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 437 W. Spring Street, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Interment will follow at the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery.