Keith Ward Smith, 65, of Williston, ND passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Hill Top Home of Comfort in Killdeer, ND.

Keith was born April 16, 1959, in Williston, ND, the third son of Milton and Leona (Stevens) Smith. He was raised on the family farm 7 miles west of Epping and was educated at Epping Public School.

He remained on the family farm until he graduated in 1978. Upon graduation, Keith joined the Army and was stationed at Ft. McCellan, Alabama; Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri and Bamberg, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1983 as an SP4 and joined the ND Army National Guard from which he retired after 20 years.

Keith enjoyed playing bingo and visiting with his mom until her death. He also enjoyed fishing in his younger days and caught a couple whoppers while paddle fishing and walleye fishing with the Don and Margaret Schumacher family.

He worked for Cactus Concrete, Williams County Highway and delivered newspapers for the Williston Herald for several years. His last job was with Fort Union Supply & Trading for 20 plus years until his health declined. In 2022, Keith moved to Hill Top Home of Comfort where he resided until his death.

Keith is survived by his sister, Katherine Zent (Earl Killingsworth) of Epping, ND; brother, Owen Smith of Garretson, SD; sister-in-law, Meloni Smith of Bakersfield, CA; aunt, Charlotte Flexhaug of Williston, ND; 13 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces; nephews, 1 great-great nephew. Although he never had children of his own, he thought the world of his nieces and nephews - Joy Smith, Nathen Smith, Nicole Meyer, Jenna Sepulveda, Noel Roers, Breann Haugen, Lynesa Zent, Lyndse Ellis, Sawyer Zent, Joshua Smith, Justin Smith, Crystal Stensgard and Marissa Smith.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wayne Smith, Dean Smith; 2 great-nephews.