Byron D. Smith, age 57, of Washington, passed away suddenly Tuesday, March 3, 2015 after a brief illness at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Calling hours will begin 12:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2015 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. Byron reminded us, "Don't come wearing black and crying!" This will be a time of honoring and remembering his life, sharing good memories with friends. Abiding by his wishes, his body will be cremated. Interment will be private. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Byron's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Byron was born September 21, 1957 in Yuma, Arizona, the son of Aaron Smith and Barbara Ann (Milner) Shelley. He was united in marriage to Jennifer L. Williams on April 22, 2006 in Washington.

Byron grew up in Brawley, California and made Iowa his home in 2002. He was employed by IBP in Columbus Junction, and most recently had worked 10 years for Twin County Dairy of Kalona until its closing. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, tending to his worm farm and most importantly, spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter. Helen Keller wrote, "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows." Byron lived life as an optimist, sharing his humor and fun loving nature with everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Smith of Washington, Iowa; mother, Barbara Shelly of Yuma, Arizona; son, Raven Smith and wife Rahni Rose along with granddaughter, Kilaynah Faye Smith of Mayville, North Dakota; sister, Melissa Curiel and husband Arnold of Washington, Iowa; and three nieces: Jaimie Reighard, Maribelle Curiel and Arianna Curiel of Washington, Iowa.

Byron was preceded in death by his father, Aaron Smith and two sisters, Yvonne Whitt and Thelma Smith.