Norman Kent "Kenny" Smith

MALTA – Norman Kent Smith (Kenny Smith), a 69-year-old resident of Malta, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at his home.

Kenny was born in Rupert, Idaho, January 19, 1949, the eldest of seven children born to Samuel N. (SN) and Beulha Kidd Smith. He was raised in Malta and attended Raft River High School.

He was a devoted horseman all of his life and, during his high school years, he broke horses for Hardy White. He loved the outdoors; fishing and hunting were a couple of his favorite pastimes and he spent most of these activities with his family. His love for family and friends was demonstrated by his willingness to help and assist them in any way.

Kenny married Leslie Eames in 1967 in Malta. He wanted to be a cowboy but could not support his family with this line of work. In 1968, he began a career as a lineman - building power lines with Curly Angel for Belgrade. This job took him to Montana, where he started his family. He continued building power lines and traveled throughout the western states.

He married Linda Teupel on November 25, 1989 in Malta.

Kenny worked in the Snake River Valley in electrical departments as a lineman and manager until his retirement. He and Linda then moved to Malta where he lived out his remaining days.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Smith; children, Kenna (Mike) Gannucio, Lonnie Smith, Stefhanie Smith, and Damon Azure; grandchildren, Tyson Van Dyck, Brooke Kelley, Derrick Kelley, Audrie Azure, Christian Vega, and Liam Smith; and siblings, Tomas (Carrie) Smith, Kim (Debra) Smith, Danny (Rhonda) Smith, Tammy (Scott) Winn, Kurt (Terry) Smith, and Cindy (Steve) Durfee.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Seanachan Azure.

The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 280 N. 1st Street W., in Malta, with Bishop Dallan Spencer officiating. Burial will be in Valley Vu Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, April 9, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. preceding the service at the church.