John Smithee

John Lynn "J.L." Smithee John Lynn "J.L." Smithee, age 89, of Dalhart, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026.  

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Mountain Time on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church in Raton, New Mexico, with his nephew, Pastor Scott Paxton, officiating. A fellowship meal will follow the service at the church. 

J.L. was born on September 30, 1936, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Clarence Elvin Smithee and Janie Robertson Smithee. He spent his childhood growing up in Walsh, Colorado.

 As a young man, J.L. moved to California, where he met the love of his life, Winiferd Alberta "Peach" Smithee. The couple was united in marriage on January 21, 1961, in Sacramento, California, and shared 51 wonderful years together.

Throughout his life, J.L. was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his family. He worked various construction jobs while living in California before moving with Peach to Mt. Vernon, Missouri. There, he began a career with Schreiber Foods, where he faithfully served for 25 years as Chief Boiler Maintenance Man.

 Following retirement, J.L. and Peach relocated to Raton, New Mexico, to be closer to family. Never one to sit still, he continued working at RBS and later became the trusted handyman for Bill Allen. Over the years, the two developed a close and lasting friendship. 

J.L. was a devoted Christian who attended and served at both First Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church in Raton. He enjoyed woodworking, challenging himself with crossword puzzles, and spending time playing dominoes with his brothers. He treasured time with family and friends and was known for his kindness, dependability, and quiet sense of humor.

 He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Winiferd Alberta "Peach" Smithee; his parents, Clarence Elvin and Janie Smithee; and his sister, Norma Belmont. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Amy Hyde of Bullhead City, Arizona; his brother, Walt Smithee and wife June of Walsh, Colorado; his brother, Charles Smithee and wife Catherine of Canadian, Texas; his son, Bryan Smithee and wife Tami of Stillwater, Minnesota; and his daughter, Dr. Crystal Washburn and husband Dr. Bruce Washburn of Raton, New Mexico.

 He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Colene Ferry; his nephew, Pastor Scott Paxton and wife Vicki of Sterling, Colorado; and their children and grandchildren. 

J.L. was a proud grandfather to Blake Washburn and wife Tiffany of Canyon, Texas, and their children, Lanie, Owen, and Madilyn; Adrian Smithee and wife Erica of Hurricane, Utah, and their daughter, Sophia; Ethan Washburn and wife Kristie of Phoenix, Arizona, who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their daughter, Maria; and Isaac Smithee and wife Amy of Stillwater, Minnesota.

 He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart and remained close to him throughout the years.

 The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Edna Sandoval and her caregiving team for the loving care they provided to J.L. in his home during the last year of his life. Special thanks are also extended to Robin Pilley and her nursing staff, as well as the many friends and loved ones who visited him before he entered the nursing home. The family is also grateful to Calvary Baptist Church and Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services for their assistance and support during this time.

 If J.L. could leave one final message, it would be this: "Make sure your ticket to Heaven has been purchased by the precious blood of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so that one day you may join me there."