John Kent Smeding's Obituary
John Kent Smeding, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at the age of 76. Surrounded by his loved ones in his final days, John left this world proclaiming his love for his family and his testimony of Jesus Christ.
John was born on July 17, 1948, in Ogden, Utah, to Wilford John Smeding and Ellen Rose Dutson. From a young age, he displayed a sharp mind, strong character, generous heart, and a “hard chargin” work ethic —qualities that defined him throughout his life. As a young boy he had a paper route to earn money to do his favorite thing - ride the bus downtown to go to the movie theater and get a tub of popcorn and a soda.
He proudly served in the United States Army Special Forces, where he demonstrated extraordinary courage, discipline, and commitment to his country. His military service was a defining chapter of his life and shaped his sense of duty and honor.
He married the love of his life, Marisa Smith, on May 6, 1983, and together they built a life filled with purpose, laughter, and enduring devotion. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
John built a meaningful career in sales, known not only for his hard work but for his integrity and willingness to help others. Before heading to work in the morning, when Marisa would ask what he was doing today, he would often say “I’m gonna make things happen!”
John also would “make things happen” to create family togetherness. He was known for finding deals and “knowing a guy” all to provide opportunities for family fun. He had a gift for rallying the family to finish up their work so they could head out on an adventure—his energy made even chores feel like part of the fun. He loved vacations, especially beaches, an outside barbeque, laughing so hard at a funny movie, and doing all of these things with as many children and grandchildren in tow as he could get. Family was always first for John. He had a tremendous heart, an uplifting spirit, and was always willing to give his all.
John was an excellent skier and could slalom down the hill with precision, intense speed and a boisterous “Yodel-Ay-Hee-Hoo” (he was quite the yodeller). He nurtured a love for skiing that he passed on to his children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories. John was also an avid oil painter, known for his gorgeous landscapes—many of which now grace the walls of his own home and those of his children.
A man of deep faith and conviction, John led by example and his words. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in the Central British Mission from 1967-1969. His life was filled with various callings where he influenced many lives. He served with unwavering love in the Bishopric, Ward Mission Leader, Sunday School, and Young Men's programs. He served for many treasured years as a Bountiful Temple worker and, alongside Marisa, as a missionary in the Addiction Recovery Program, where he brought encouragement and genuine care to everyone he served.
John’s legacy of love, service, laughter and warmth touched countless hearts, lives and minds through his life. We cherish our time we were blessed to share with him and rejoice in knowing we will one day be reunited with him as an eternal family.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the caring team at Huntsman Cancer Institute, AppleGate Hospice, and most of all for the expert nursing and loving care of his beloved wife.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marisa Smeding, cherished children Paul Smeding, Chris Smeding, Brian Smeding, Shauna Broome, Courtney Tyler Kendell, Patrick (Megan) Kendell, Candice Smith, Sarah (Dave) Prisbrey, Ryan (Alicia) Smeding, and Nathan (Kaylee) Smeding, as well as 28 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, his sisters Pam, Pat, Susan, and brother Scott.
Preceding him in death were his beloved parents; his sisters, Diane Smeding, Sharon Hislop, and Kathy Petersen; and his infant daughter, Summer.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday May 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kaysville Crestwood Stake Center, 855 E. Mutton Hollow Rd., Kaysville, Utah. Family and friends may visit Monday May 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. also at the Stake Center prior to the service.
Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery, 500 E. Crestwood Rd., Kaysville, Utah.
The funeral service will be live streamed and may be viewed by
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