Stephen Lee Smith

Stephen Lee Smith, age 89, passed away at home on March 26, 2026, in Edgewood, WA.

He was born May 6, 1936, in Tacoma, to parents Dale and Doris Smith. He grew up on “Pinedale Farm” in Edgewood. Steve was the oldest of 5, followed by sister Marcia and brothers Douglas, Kent, and Paul. Farm chores, including feeding thousands of chickens, milking cows, and hoeing corn kept him busy. He enjoyed participating in 4H, FFA, and riding horses.

Steve graduated from Puyallup High School in 1954 as the student body president. He then attended Washington State College (now WSU), and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, graduating in 1958.

Steve married Dorothy Conway in 1960. They had 4 sons: Wyman, Stephen (Wade), Ward, and Warren. Steve proudly entered the U.S. Army, serving stateside and abroad, including tours in Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and Thailand. Steve retired in 1979 as a Lieutenant Colonel, marking 21 years of distinguished service maintaining and flying fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Steve later married Jane Galbreath in 1977. The marriage created a ready-made family of Jane’s children, Peter, Nancy, and Peggy, and Steve’s boys, all under one roof. Together, they had Jennifer. They lived in St. Louis, MO, before hauling most of the clan back to Edgewood, WA where he started his next chapter of work, first with Smith Brothers Construction. Then he started Pinedale Landscape, serving Edgewood’s “little old ladies.” He next worked for SS Landscaping, retiring once again in 2001.

Steve spent his life caring for others. He devoted many hours to the church, especially as Property Committee Chair, living out his love for God. He served on Mt. View-Edgewood Water Company’s Board of Directors for several years. At home, Steve tended abundant plants and animals, including a vast dahlia collection. He was an avid reader and sports enthusiast, rarely missing a game if the Cougars, Seahawks, Mariners, or grandchildren were playing. He enjoyed watching horse racing, always rooting for the grays.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Jane Smith; his children, Wyman (Sheri) Smith, Ward (Trish) Smith, Jennifer (Kevin) Doerr, Peter (Jamie) Meisinger, Nancy Meisinger, and Peggy (Jeff) Pilger; his brothers, Douglas Smith and Paul (Pam) Smith; and his sister-in-law, Betty Smith. He was a proud Papa to 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, 10am-1pm, at Powers Funeral Home, 320 W. Pioneer Avenue, Puyallup, WA. His Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, 1:00pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 214 Pioneer Way East, Puyallup, WA, followed by an ice cream social.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Homes For Our Troops www.hfotusa.org or the American Legion Attn: Aleki Potoae, 9600 Veterans Dr. SW Building No. 148, Tacoma, WA 98493.