Kerby James Smith, 63

Kerby Smith, Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather
Superior – Sept. 7, 1961 to Jan. 13, 2025.

Kerby Smith, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of the Mineral County community, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 13, 2025 at the age of 63. He was born in Missoula to Bud and Bertha Smith of Superior.

Kerby grew up in Superior graduating from high school in 1980 then attending Vo Tech in Missoula to be a diesel mechanic. He started working for Hanson’s Oil & Garage at age 14, working his way up to general manager of Cenex and Energy Partners before eventually owning his own business, Mineral Energy, until the time of his death. Kerby dedicated his life to serving his community ensuring that homes and businesses across the county stayed warm and comfortable.

In 1982, Kerby married Joyce Weaver not long out of high school. Together they had a baby boy, Kevin. A couple years later, Kamio came along. The marriage ended but their friendship did not. After many years of being single, Kerby met Barbara Shear. They married in 2007 and enjoyed 18 years together, sharing a love for their horses, dogs and cats.

Kerby was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of the Superior Lions Club and loved participating in the many parades. He was a generous and compassionate man who always lent a helping hand to those in need. He always had a good story to tell. Kerby had a deep love for the Montana outdoors and its animals. He was almost always found with his dog riding shotgun. He was an avid hiker, spending countless hours exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Rockies throughout his life. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a profound respect for nature and a love for the simple pleasures of life.

Kerby is survived by his wife, Barbara Smith (Alberton); his children, Kevin Smith (Superior) and Kamio Smith (Superior); his grandchildren, Owen Belcher (Sandpoint, ID) and Wyatt Belcher (Superior); brother, Kelly Smith (Diana) (Superior) ; twin sister, Jeneen Hanson (Craig) (Newman Lake, WA) and numerous nieces and nephews, former wife, Joyce Schaefer (Devin) and many, many friends and co-workers that he loved dearly.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Kerby will be held at Superior High School
Gymnasium on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Potluck in the multipurpose room to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Superior Lions Club P.O. Box 867 Superior, MT, 59872.

Kerby will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and love for his community will forever remain.