Paul Smith, 94, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2013 at his home in Escalon.

Born on Nov. 5, 1918 to Jason and Nora Smith of Roswell, NM, he was the seventh of eight children. He married Evelyn Garrison on Feb. 22, 1942.

Mr. Smith served one year as a corporal in the United States Army at Camp Carson, Colorado in 1942-1943.

He and his wife managed several businesses, selling cars, appliances, fish bait, antiques, and most notably, Native American artifacts and gifts. They owned Paul’s Indian Store, which began in Escalon, CA and continued in Oakdale under the ownership of Paul’s daughter and son-in-law until its closing in September 2012.

Survivors include his five children, Gary Smith of Brawley, Dennis Smith of Antelope, Sharon Johnson of Dos Palos, Linda Reed of Shawnee, OK, and Tom Smith of Murphys; 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, who passed away Jan. 24, 2009.

Interment was on Thursday, July 18 at Dos Palos Cemetery, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at The Rock Church with Reverend Wayne Warren officiating.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

July 24, 2013