DeShawn H Smith
DeShawn H Smith
1969 – 2023
DeShawn H Smith was born in Billings, Montana on August 30, 1969 to Scott Thurman and LaDawn Smith. DeShawn passed away peacefully on the morning of May 8, 2023.
DeShawn graduated from Billings Senior High School and went to Ricks College for a year before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Netherlands, Amsterdam mission where he learned to speak Dutch.
Upon completing his mission, he returned to Ricks College where he met his eternal companion, Susan Roth. They were married on June 7, 1991 in the Logan Temple. He and Susan have two sons, James and Jordan, and two grandsons Armin and Lincoln.
DeShawn made a career as a Software Engineer, before moving to managing others. He worked at many different companies, including Symantec, Altiris, Ancestry, and most recently Adobe.
He had a love of teaching, and became a successful and well-liked adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, where he taught Computer Science and Math courses.
DeShawn had many different interests. He loved to cook Dutch Oven food, which he enjoyed sharing with others. He loved the Boy Scouts of America, completing the Woodbadge course and helping many boys with their advancements. He loved music, playing the clarinet all the way through college, and singing Barbershop music afterwards. He was an avid biker, 3D printing enthusiast, Lego builder, and actor in community productions at the Pleasant Grove Players and the Hale Centre Theatre. He loved Disney and enjoyed traveling to the Disney Parks frequently. He loved to travel with his family, and especially taking trips with Susan.
He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved being an ordinance worker at the Mount Timpanogos Temple with Susan. He had an unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and was an example of Christlike love to everyone who knew him.
The most important thing to DeShawn was his family. He will be missed by his family and friends, including his wife Susan, his sons James and Jordan, their wives Christine and Brylee-Ann, and his two grandsons Armin and Lincoln.
DeShawn’s funeral will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Mount Mahogany 8th Ward Chapel, located at 1541 North 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment will follow the funeral at the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery at 500 North 100 West Pleasant Grove, Utah.
Donations accepted through Venmo @Susan-Smith-1911
This Post Has 9 Comments
Our family is heartbroken for you. Our boys remember Deshawn as a super nice guy. We will always remember him fondly. The Warrens.
I have many great memories with DeShawn. Many involving food, music, and cycling – three of my favorite things. DeShawn played an important role in the lives of my boys through the BSA, which we sincerely appreciate. DeShawn will be missed immensely. Susan, James, and Jordan, may you find peace in the days, weeks, and years to come. We love you.
I worked with DeShawn at Altiris and Symantec. I rode bikes with him many times including the Heber Century (100 miles including a climb over Jordanelle, both directions). I am so sorry for the family’s loss. He was a good man who I respected. His passing comes as a surprise and shock to me. We never know the last time we may see someone. I can’t remember for sure, but hope my last time was on a bike ride with him.
I’m so sorry. My heart blleds for you Susan and family. With Symphony.
DeShawn was a beloved brother and “a city set on a hill” to all his friends and brothers on the Saturday 2nd shift at the Mount Timpanogos Temple. He was our ROCK on the front desk and will be deeply missed. Our prayers go out to the Smith family and all those who are grieving at this time, may the Holy Spirit guild and comfort you in your time of need. Bruce Light, 2nd shift coordinator.
Such sorrowful news. DeShawn had a great impact on me. While we were coworkers for a short period of time, we were friends – good friends – from then on. I imagine it was difficult, if not impossible, for anyone to have a different experience with him. I will miss him greatly.
Dear Susan and Family,
I am truly sorry about the passing of DeShawn. He reached out to me about a year ago to catch me up on his beautiful family. We were “clarinet buddies” at Ricks College and enjoyed much visiting and laughter. How I hope and pray for your peace and for you to feel our Savior’s arms around you.
To LaDawn and Thurm- Ed and I were so saddened by this news passed on to us by Mark Andersen. Your family was instrumental in our transition into the church and was such an example of goodness and virtue! We can’t imagine the heartache your family is going through! What a comfort the gospel brings!
Dennis and I are very saddened to hear of DeShawn’s passing. We have fond memories of th Smith family in Billings. We send live and prayers to his all of his family. Dennis and Linda Eastwood