Ely Gene Smith, Sr.

Ely Gene Smith Sr. was born in Keams Canyon, Arizona on May 26, 1934. Ely was the son of Hosteen Dahgi (Hosteen Gene Begay) and Thia Dahgi (Zah Bema Begay). Ely was enrolled in Phoenix Indian School in the fall of 1947 and completed five years of schooling. In July of 1953, Ely enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. In his time in the Airforce, Ely boxed; some called him a champion because of his ability to knock out his opponents with only one punch. During Ely's time serving, he wrote to his soon-to-be wife, Martha Patterson. Ely and Martha married on February 26, 1956. In that same year, 1956, Ely was honorably discharged. In the military, Ely earned the National and Korean Defense Service Medal. Ely was a man who had many occupations. He worked as a welder, miner, and cowboy. Ely also drilled wells and worked in the sawmills. During this time, Ely and Martha created a family and bought a home together in Tarzan Valley on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Ely and Martha had seven children; four boys and three girls. Ely held a stable job and worked as a service unit administrative officer in San Carlos Indian Health Services. His occupation entitled him to take supplies and manage inventory as a warehouseman. Ely held his position for 26 years and then retired to become a cage cashier at the Apache gold casino. In his retirement, Ely loved the great outdoors and often spent his free days venturing into the mountains to hunt and fish. Ely was known to lend a helping hand. It did not matter if you were right, or if you were wrong he was always there for you. He would have done anything and everything to help not only his loved ones but anyone who needed help. Those around him have said he was the humblest, most caring, man, they have ever known. So, it is heavy in our hearts to say Ely Gene Smith Sr. went to rest on January 11, 2023. In death, Ely joins his wife Martha and their four children; Noreen Clark, Jamerson, Doreen, and Anderson Smith. Ely Smith has 11 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 11:00 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in San Carlos, Arizona. Viewing will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 after the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in San Carlos, Arizona. Interment will be held at Mormon Hill Cemetery in San Carlos, Arizona. We are thankful for his service to our country in the United States Air Force. Services are being provided by Lamont Mortuary of Globe, 328 S Hill St, Globe, AZ 85501, 928-425-5491.