Dexter Ronald Smith, 90, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Thursday, June 10, 2021. He was born in Tacoma, Washington to Ronald and Stella (Jacob) Smith.

He served for four years in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict.

Dexter was a snowbird for 30 years in Mesa, Arizona, where he met Judie 17 years ago. He moved to Sweet Home from Gig Harbor, Washington in 2018.

He was a past Commadore of Fox Island Yacht Club. He owned a gas station and rental business in Gig Harbor. He was known for fixing boat propellers, mostly in his retirement years.

Dexter enjoyed ballroom dancing, working on airplanes, hunting with family, Jeeping on roads—the rougher the better—looking for gold, and trips to Bonneville Salt Flats with friends. He drove a car 131 m.p.h. on the short track. He did glasswork, etched, and stained glass. He loved to travel and traveled, which he did many times. He never met a stranger he didn’t like.

He is survived by his partner, Judie Wetteland of Sweet Home; son, Dan (Christy) Smith of Lake Stevens, Washington; daughter, Paulette Smith of Tacoma, Washington; granddaughters, Megan Wilson of University Place, Washington and Danielle Smith of Seattle, Washington; grandson, Justin (Chrissy) Wilson of Gig Harbor, Washington; great grandchildren, Reece of Gig Harbor, Washington, Sophia of University Place, Washington, and Lincoln of Seattle, Washington.

Dexter was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Smith; daughter, Lovette Wilson; brother, Darrell Smith; and his parents.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.