Darl Mark Smith

The oldest of 7 children, Darl Mark Smith was born on March 28, 1940, to Zeanes Parnell Smith and Beverly Tracy Smith in Ogden Utah. He excelled in football and wrestling in high school; his senior year, he was the Heavyweight Wrestler State Champ and named the All American Football Player of the Year. He graduated from Ben Lomond High School with his sister Janet in 1959. Because of his athletic accomplishments, he received a full-ride scholarship to BYU, but instead decided to get married and begin his career.

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In junior high, his best friend Glen Clark introduced him to the love of his life, Marilyn McKay. He always said that he KNEW he was going to marry her—no ifs, ands, or buts about it. He may have needed to convince her, but he was in love and knew she was the one for him! They were married on January 14, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.

He worked for his father in his construction business at Z P Smith Construction where they built the Patio Springs Country Club up Ogden Canyon. He worked there for over 20 years and continued to work in the construction business until his retirement. Darl and Marilyn lived in Ogden until 1973, then moved to the Mount Olympus Cove area for over 30 years, and finally to Sandy.

Anyone who knows Darl has heard him tell a few stories; he especially loved telling stories of his grandparents and helping his children feel connected to them. He loved sports, especially BYU football. He enjoyed fishing with friends; he loved running, and completed 6 marathons. He and Marilyn liked to bowl and golf together.

Darl loved his family. He set an example to his children and grandchildren of what a father is. He forgave freely; he taught us not to judge, but to love each other. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ; the highlight of his life was his mission with Marilyn to Jamaica to serve the people there.

On Sunday, July 10, 2022, Darl was reunited with the love of his life, Marilyn, his parents, and 2 of his brothers, Brent and Doug. What a joyous reunion he is having right now with his loved ones. Every day for the last 3 ½ years, he wanted to be with Marilyn. Whenever Annette went to put flowers on Marilyn’s grave, he always asked if she had told her mom to come and get him. Annette would answer “No, she is busy with her sister and can’t come right now.” Well, Friday night he was yelling really loudly for Marilyn; she must have heard him and came and got him. He just ran to meet her and didn’t look back.

He is survived by his 6 children Kevin (Cathy), Annette, Lisa, Kelly (Lesley), David (Cherril) and Nick; 9 grandchildren Mindy (Nick), James (Becca), Mallory, Samantha, McLean, Elly, Emmye, and Kolton; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 siblings Janet, Kim, Susan, and Don.

There will be a viewing for Darl on Monday, July 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and again on Tuesday, July 19th from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. The funeral service will begin at 11:00. All services will be held at the LDS Church Building located at 9855 South 2300 East, Sandy. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy.