Gerald Smith
Dates
November 5, 1942 - February 6, 2022Obituary
Gerald Smith, 79, of Mt. Vernon, SD, died Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Per Gerald’s request, there will be no services. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Gerald James Smith was born November 5, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA to Gerald S. and Irene (Wilkinson) Smith. As a small child he moved to Mesa, AZ with his grandparents, and received his education there from Arizona State University. He married Barbara Kay Green in Mesa on November 3, 1961. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2021.
Gerald received his license as a certified public accountant in 1966. In 1970, with 3 small children in tow, they moved to South Dakota searching for a better place to raise their family, and a more rural lifestyle. In 1981, he decided to open his own accounting office, first in Mt. Vernon then in Mitchell. With assistance from Barb, they gave their many clients personal, professional accounting services. After a heart attack in 2014, Gerald retired after having been a CPA for over 50 years. Retirement was not exactly as he had hoped, but he found pleasure in his vast library. He most wanted to be respected not for his house or his car or his clothes, but for his great desire to understand the universe and “what was really there” and for his remarkable ability to study, learn, and speak dozens of other languages.
Gerald was a past president of Kiwanis Club, treasurer of Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, and a member of the Mt. Vernon School Board for nine years (president).
Gerald is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Gwynnevere Smith, Cape Coral, FL and Deidre Mahin, Lincoln, KS; and son, David K. Smith, Seaford, DE.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Vinsant; aunt, Vera Jacovelli; his grandparents; and his faithful companion of 15 years, his dog Shunka.
I went to school with David in Mt. Vernon with many good memories. I spoke with your father many times and enjoyed his topics. David and family I am sorry for your loss and thinking of you.