Emery Smith

Emery Grant Smith, 75, of Shelley, also known to his grandchildren as Pom Pah, rode off into the sunset May 30, 2025.

Emery was born May 2, 1950, in Rigby, Idaho, to Lenard Grant Smith and Joyce Alene McCarty Smith. He grew up in Rigby and spent his summers with his grandparents working on the farm. He attended schools in Rigby and graduated from Rigby High School. After high school, he attended Ricks College and Idaho State University.

On September 16, 1972, he married Mickey Lee David in Idaho Falls. They had three children, Shawn, Jaime, and Stephanie. They were later divorced. Emery’s children were his world, and he cherished his time with them.

As a young man Emery worked at many different places including James Food Town, Gas Lamp Pizza, and Scotty’s Drive In. Emery had a wonderful time eating with his family at Scotty’s and his stories of cooking fries “the right way” were legendary. Emery loved his time as a young man working at his Uncle Ray’s potato warehouse in Lorenzo, the hard work and long hours helped shape his incredible work ethic which he displayed throughout his life. Emery taught at Vo-tech (College of Eastern Idaho) in the Electronics Program where he impacted many young people. He loved to see their success and could hardly enter a store without running into a former student or friend. Emery finished his career at the Idaho National Laboratory where he “never worked a day” and retired after 25 years of working in Fire Protection for the INL. Emery cherished his time in the Life Safety Systems group and shared many wonderful memories of his experiences and friendships with his family.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed flying private airplanes, but his passion was riding his Harley Davidson Road King. He could be found every summer saddled up to his iron horse enjoying the wind in his face and the freedom of the road. He enjoyed riding and had several articles published in the Shelley Pioneer Newspaper and various motorcycle publications. He also published a newsletter called “The Fat Raven Gazette” that shared his motorcycle adventures. He enjoyed cooking and canning. He was always tinkering with a new recipe to get it just right and enjoyed sharing his creations with his family. He had a marvelous collection of bright shirts with wild patterns displayed like fine art as he hit the town. Family was his favorite hobby, he would never turn down a chance to watch his grandkids’ football games, band performances, and dance recitals. He was always there for birthday parties and any other event you could think of. It didn’t matter what it was, he would be there for his family.

Emery is survived by his son, Shawn Smith of Shelley, ID; daughter, Stephanie (Matt) Larsen of Ammon, ID; brother, Gary (Lois) Smith of Sandy, UT; sister, JoAnn (Doyle) Barney of Rigby, ID; sister, Machelle Smith of Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Kim (Gina) Smith of Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Kevin (Janet) Roberts of Idaho Falls, ID; 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jaime Lee Smith; and parents, Lenard and Joyce Smith.

Family will visit with friends and share memories of Emery to celebrate his life on the evening of Friday, June 20th, from 6:30-8 p.m. at The Brickyard Event Center, 1025 S. Ammon Road.

Fun and bright shirts are encouraged, but like Emery’s mantra of “order what you want and eat what you get”, feel free to wear whatever you like. Emery always loved people exactly for who they are and would want you to be comfortable.

The family would like to thank the staff at MorningStar Senior Living of Idaho Falls and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.