Wallace Dean Smith

Wallace “Dean” Smith passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, in Kaysville, UT, at the age of 79. He was born on December 30, 1946, in Ogden, UT, to Wallace and Afton Smith.

Dean grew up in Ogden as the oldest of five children. He attended Ben Lomond High School and graduated with the Class of 1964. From 1966 to 1968, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North German Mission. He developed a lifelong love for the German people and remained a devoted member of the Church throughout his life.

In 1968, Dean met the love of his life, Joanne Glanville, at a dance. He often recalled the moment he first saw her—her long brown hair, yellow shirt, blue skirt, and wide black belt—and knew immediately that she was someone special. He carried an early photograph of Joanne in his wallet for the rest of his life. Dean and Joanne were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 8, 1969, and together built a loving family and a marriage that endured for nearly 57 years.

Dean attended medical school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and joined the United States Army during his medical training. After completing his residency in Aurora, CO, he served as an Army physician at Fort Knox, KY. He specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, a profession he loved deeply.

Over the course of his distinguished medical career, Dean delivered more than 5,000 babies and cared for countless women and families. He practiced for many years at Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Utah, where he was respected by colleagues and dearly loved by his patients. His compassion, skill, and dedication left a lasting impact on the community he served.

Above all, Dean cherished his family. He and Joanne were blessed with four daughters, whom he treasured beyond measure. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories through family gatherings and vacations, especially to San Diego and Jackson Hole. He took great joy in supporting his grandchildren in their sports, musical performances, and other activities, and he delighted in sharing his many hobbies and interests with them.

One of Dean’s lifelong passions was building and flying radio-controlled airplanes. He also loved music, from classical compositions to the songs of Elton John, The Everly Brothers, and The Beatles. In retirement, he found enjoyment in building intricate LEGO sets, which he proudly displayed. A lifelong learner, Dean was endlessly curious about science and space and was always eager to learn something new.

Dean was known for his quick wit, warm personality, and wonderful sense of humor. He was a gifted storyteller who could entertain family and friends at every gathering. He also had a well-known fondness for Dr. Pepper, pie, and ice cream. One of his favorite sayings was, “The only doctor that ever did me any good was Dr Pepper.”

Dean is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne Glanville Smith; his daughters, Lora Romney (Brad), Maryann Murphy (Todd), Becky Ord (Andrew), and son-in-law Ryan Walters (Brooke); 15 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Afton Smith, his sister Nadine, brother Glenn, and by his cherished daughter, Jen Walters.

Dean’s life was defined by faith, family, service, and laughter. He leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and countless lives touched through both his medical practice and his devotion to those he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Canyon Woods Ward Chapel, 1085 North 50 East, Kaysville, Utah, with a viewing prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m..