Farrell Melvin Smith

Farrell M. Smith passed away on Sunday, May 31st, 2026, at age 86. He was the most extraordinary father and human. His life was full of optimism, service, and adventure.

Farrell was born on January 27th, 1940, in Los Angeles, California. He was the youngest child of Drusa Elaine Cluff and Floyd M. Smith. Tragically, his parents passed away when he was only 18 months old. He was then lovingly raised by his aunt and uncle (Charles and Belva Smith).

Farrell grew up in Inglewood, California. He enjoyed sports, music, the beach, and time with friends. In 1959 he served an LDS mission in Germany. Once home from his mission, he returned to BYU where he met and married Sandra Rose Bang.

Farrell was in the Marine Corps from 1959-1963 and the Air Force from 1965-1969. In Vietnam he served as a chaplain, where after being injured by a bomb, he saved another man from the burning building. Because of his bravery, he was awarded a Purple Heart and Airman’s Medal.

He and Sandra had seven children and several successful businesses – his most recent being Exerplay, which furnishes playgrounds and athletic equipment to schools, parks, cities, etc.

Farrell lived a life of service. He was a bishop and stake president for the LDS church. He was a mission president in Vienna, Austria, visitor’s center director for the Oakland Temple, as well as numerous other callings.

His legacy is one of generosity, compassion, and kindness. He was everyone’s best friend and always willing to welcome and help anyone in need.

He was predeceased in death by all his birth family, as well as his dear wife Sandra Rose Bang, his daughter LeeAnne, and his son Matt.

Farrell is survived by his other five children: Julie, Rob(Krista), David(Leslie), Michael, and Jessica.

He is also survived by his second wife, Diane Moore Case and his step-children: Jeff(Rebecca), Brian(Penny), Darren(Jane), and Christy(David).

Farrell was the proud Grandpa of 50 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

We want to express our gratitude to the Suncrest Hospice team, as well as those at The Summit Memory Care. Thanks for showing him nothing but dignity and love.

Funeral services will be on June 20th, 2026. There will be a display honoring his life at 11:00 with the funeral beginning at 12:00 noon. It will be held at the Del Rio LDS church building at 1881 East Del Rio, in Tempe, AZ 85282

In Lieu of Flowers, take your family to dinner, or feel free to donate to a cause that Farrell spent his life furthering: the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community Inclusion and Play (US Play Coalition)

https://give.myiu.org/iu-bloomington/I320003610.html

Watch Services: The link will go live 5 minutes before noon on the 20th. https://youtube.com/live/j0fCnXGLln0?feature=share

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.