Vernon Thomas Smith, 86, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at his home in Powell, Wyo.

Vernon was born in Milford June 25, 1939, the son of Paul and Marian Draper Smith. He attended school in Milton and graduated from Milton High School Class of 1957.

He married Rebecca Ann Seibert Jan. 18, 1962, in Denton, Md. Most of their married life was spent in Milton until retirement and they moved to Powell, Wyo.

Vernon’s occupation for 35 years was as a press operator in the chocolate division of General Foods, Dover.

The family attended the Nazarene Church in Milford. Vernon was active as a Mason, was a life member of Milton Fire Department. After moving to Wyoming, he was active in the Cody Gun Club and the Powell Gun Club. His hobbies included skeet shooting, in which he was the 2009 Wyoming State Shoot HDCP Champion and Senior Vet Champion. He was also devoted to having a beautiful, manicured lawn.

Vernon and Rebecca were avid travelers, having visited 49 of the 50 states. They loved camping and first visited Wyoming when they served as campground hosts in Big Horn National Recreation Area. At the completion of being hosts that summer, they went home, sold their house and moved to Wyoming.

Surviving Vernon are his wife, Rebecca; sons, Michael (Angie) of Riner, Va., and Sean (Nancy) of Milford; daughters, Jo Allison Jester (Terry) of Lincoln and Tracey Wessell (Mitchell) of Lincoln; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. One brother, Richard and one sister Nancy Sykes also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marian Smith; brothers, Robert and David; and grandson, Christopher Galgoci.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributations may be sent to Stillwater Hospice of Northern Wyoming, 210 N. Bent Street, Powell, WY 82435.