Richard Leon Smith

Richard Leon Smith was born in Nephi, Utah on February 13, 1939 to Malend Jackman and Ruth Jane Stephenson. Passed on Saturday, January 8, 2022. His parents divorced and his mother later married B. Glen Smith of St. George, Utah. B. Glen Smith then adopted Richard and his two brothers, Paul and Albert. He enjoyed growing up in St. George and was active in the scouting program earning the rank of Eagle. He graduated from Dixie High. He went on to graduate from Dixie College followed by a year at BYU and then completed his bachelor degree and PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Utah. Richard was an officer in the Utah National Guard 19th Special Forces Green Berets as a paratrooper serving for 13 years. While pursuing his education and active in military service, Richard married his sweetheart, Cathryn Ann Peterson (Cathy) of Kanesville, UT in the Salt Lake Temple. They had 7 children. Richard worked at Phillips Petroleum for 20 years in Bartlesville, Oklahoma where he acquired over 25 patents in the polymer industry. Following early retirement from Phillips, Richard worked with American Gilsonite and was later able to realize his desire to teach as an adjunct professor at the Salt Lake Community College. Richard was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all of his life. He served a mission to Sweden and Finland in his youth and a second mission later in life with his sweetheart to BYU-Hawaii where he was again able to teach chemistry. Richard enjoyed working with the youth and in missionary work through various callings at both ward and stake levels. Richard and Cathryn served in the Bountiful Temple for over 20 years. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sisters (Melba Jackman Moore and Josephine Jackman Simpson), brother (Albert Malend Smith), and son (Richard Glen Smith). He is survived by his sweetheart, Cathryn Peterson Smith, brother Paul (Marilyn) Smith, children Rebecca Smith, Robin (Tyler) House, Laura (Jim) Cowsert, Thomas (Angela) Smith, Marie (John) Gwynn, Eva (Bryan) Keeler, 23 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 13th, 2022 at the Maple Hills Ward Building, 1320 East 1975 South, Bountiful, UT. A viewing will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, and Thursday morning 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.

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