Smokey was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, grew up in Estill County, Ky., and passed away in Bakersfield. He was proud of his Kentucky heritage and was a double descendant of Daniel Boone. As teenagers, he and Beverly met and married in 1953 and became the happy parents of two children, Lisa and Casey.

He spent four years in the Air Force and was stationed in Japan and Guam.

The family moved to the Kern River Valley in 1969. Then he and Beverly moved to Fresno in 1979, returning to Kern Valley to retire in 2006. He worked in construction all his life, became a finish carpentry contractor and worked in Michigan, then Ridgecrest, the Kern River Valley and Fresno. A lifelong car buff, he was a NASCAR/Earnhart/General Motors fan and for many years frequented auctions, often teaming with his great friend, Leroy Davis, to travel up and down the Central Valley to bid on some marvelous treasure.

His greatest love and source of pride was his family. He leaves behind his wife Beverly; sister Anita and brother Michael; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Kenny Jones of Bodfish; son and daughter-in-law, (Brian) Casey Sr. and Kimberly Newman of Auberry; grandchildren Brian Newman Jr. and Angela; Shane, J.T. and Jessica Newman; Darcy and Jake Kristy; Allie Jones and Jono VanderBroek, great-grandchildren Kalob, Kailee, Briana and Victoria Newman and Melody VanderBroek. And he was eagerly anticipating the arrival of two more great-grandchildren in just a few weeks.

We wish to thank Pat, Tami and Jessica for their loving support in the last few days of Smokey’s life, and also thank Leroy Davis and Archie Smith for their steadfast friendship.

There will be a private celebration of life in the Kern Valley and a burial will take place in Beattyville, Ky. Services entrusted to Sierra Valley Mortuary.