Joseph Wesley Smith

Joseph Wesley Smith, 89, a long time oil field tool pusher and Army Veteran from Sunburst, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2013, at the Marias Care Center.  Graveside services with military honors will be 10:00 am, Monday, August 5, in the Sunburst Cemetery. Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nila Smith of Sunburst; daughter, Lisa (Rick) Hurley of Shelby; sons, Ron (Sue) Smith of Shelby and Tom (Michaela) Smith of Graybull, WY; niece, Maxine (Steve) Reynolds of Otis, CO; as well as eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Joe was born June 8, 1924 at rural Akron, Colorado to John & Margurite (Verstraeta) Smith, where he grew up and was educated. He served with the US Army from July 1943 to April 1946.

He and Nila Miller were married September 7, 1948 at Clayton, New Mexico.

While the family was living in Texas, the Comanche Drilling Company of Oilmont purchased the drilling rig he was working on. They offered him a job in Montana to help them learn how to operate it. He never intended to stay, but 48 years later he was still here. He spent the rest of his working years drilling wells all across the high line including the very first horizontal well ever drilled in the area.

Joe’s favorite hobby was his work, but he also enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Sweet Grass American Legion.