Omar Smith, 87, Minot, formerly of Granville, Surrey and Deering, died on Saturday, July 25, 2015 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He courageously battled cancer for the past 2 ½ years.

Omar Gene Smith was born on April 21, 1928 in Deering, ND to Merle and Matilda (Simmons) Smith. He was reared and educated in Saline Township of McHenry County and Deering. Omar married Betty Carr on September 27, 1950 in Crookston, MN. Omar entered the U.S. Army on January 31, 1951 and was stationed in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands until his honorable discharge on February 4, 1953. He obtained his G.E.D during his military service.

Following his honorable discharge, Omar and Betty made their home in Deering, Surrey, Granville and lastly Minot. During this time he farmed outside of Deering, was employed as a fireman by the Great Northern Railroad, worked at Dakota Plate and Glass as a glazer and Thorsrud Supply as a locksmith, owned the Ponderosa Bar in Granville, was a lead carpenter for Community Action, and worked as a civil service employee in the Rivet Mile Missile Maintenance program at Minot Air Force Base. He retired in March of 1993.

Omar was a member of First Lutheran Church, Granville and served on the Church Council. He was also the Commander of the Granville American Legion, served on the Granville Public School Board, was Granville Fire Chief, and served on the Granville Housing Board.

Omar especially enjoyed woodworking, golfing, fishing and traveling. Following retirement he spent a lot of time doing carpentry work and was employed part-time at the Souris Valley Golf Course. He took great pride in his home and was constantly doing projects to improve it. Omar was loyal and steadfast to family and friends. His quiet kindness and willingness to converse drew people to him. He had a deep, quiet faith in God and loved attending Sunday service, singing hymns, or playing his harmonica in a gospel group. He loved country, bluegrass, and gospel music. He also loved his country and his flag, which he proudly flew daily at his home. Omar was a devout Minnesota Twins fan and cheered enthusiastically for them (or any other team who was playing the NY Yankees). He was a “Chevy Man” and defended GM products whole-heartedly. Being raised on a farm effected Omar his whole life, and there was no better place for him to be than on a tractor where he enjoyed working for area farmers during his retirement.

Omar is survived by his wife of 64 years Betty; daughters: Paula (Troy) Rauschenberger, Minot, and Cinda (Frank) Norberg, Bloomington, Minnesota; grandchildren: Tanner Rauschenberger, Connor, Garrett and Gabrielle Norberg; brother: Rodney (Mary Ann) Smith, Minot; sister: Justine Pfeiffer, McMinnville, Oregon; sisters-in-law: Miriam Smith, New Port Richey, Florida, and Marva Smith, Minot; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Omar was preceded in death by his parents, son: Derald; daughter: Karla; brothers: Melvin, Raymond, Duane, and Curt; sisters: Erma Kitzman, Lorraine Grilley, and Vera Peterson.

Thomas Family Funeral Home