| Graduation Year | Class of 1974 |
| Date of Passing | (unknown) |
| About | Melvin Andrew Smith died in his home after a long illness Wednesday, March 3, 2010. He was 63. Mr. Smith and his twin brother, Richens, were born to Thomas and Isabelle Smith in Delta on June 30, 1946. In 1987, he married Linda Schmidt in Florence. They were married for 23 years. Mr. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Fort Lewis College in Durango in 1969 and his master’s degree in education from Adams State College in Alamosa in 1978. He began his high school teaching career in Ridgeway in 1971, then moved to Colorado Springs and taught history at Palmer High School the following year. In 1973, he started his teaching and coaching career at Florence High School in Florence, which he continued for the next 30 years. In 2001, he was selected as Teacher of the Year at Florence High School. During his professional educational career at Florence, he served as head wrestling, assistant football, baseball, and track and field coach. From 1988-2003, Mr. Smith served as Athletic Director for Florence High School. He also served for 20 years on the CHSAA wrestling committee for the state of Colorado. In 1995, Mr. Smith was inducted into the Fort Lewis College Athletic Hall of Fame in Durango in recognition of his two-year participation in the NAIA National Collegiate Wrestling Championships. In addition, he is the only four-time state place winner in wrestling at Olathe High School. While obtaining his master’s degree at Adams State College he served as assistant wrestling coach 1972-73. Mr. Smith served his country as a Sergeant First Class in the Colorado National Guards for 20 years. After his retirement from education, he enjoyed ATV riding with his longtime friends, Bruce, Gerald, Bill and Ralph and the OHS Class of 164; golfing with buddies, John and Rich; Smith family golf tournaments; and tree farming with his father-in-law, Royal Schmidt. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his father, Thomas O. Smith of Olathe. He is survived by his wife, Linda Smith of Florence, Colorado; sons, Erik Smith of Denver, Colorado, Raymond Smith of Columbia, Maryland and Michael Miller of Florence; daughter, Melissa (Jimmy) Walker of Florence, Colorado; mother, Isabelle D. Smith and brother, Thomas D. Smith of Olathe, Colorado; brother, Richens Smith of Denver, Colorado; sister, Jean Thweatt of Durango, Colorado; four grandchildren, nine nephews and three nieces. A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Florence High School Auditorium. Internment at a later date will be in the Olathe Cemetery in Olathe. Arrangements will be provided by Charles Anthony Mortuary. Online condolences at charlesanthonyfh.com |
