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With heavy hearts, the family of Allan Milton Smith announces his peaceful passing surrounded by lots of love and his family after a long-fought battle with cancer February 23, 2026, at his home in Cheyenne Wells.

A beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend,  Al lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to his family.

He was born October 4, 1947, in Wamego, Kansas, to Milton and Mabel Smith and moved to Cheyenne Wells in 1948.  Al grew up with small town values of kindness, hard work, generosity, faith, and integrity that guided him through his life. He grew up alongside his six siblings, forming lifelong bonds built on love, teasing, and shared memories. 

Al carried those family values into adulthood; cherishing time spent with family and friends above all else. Known for his spirited and ornery nature as a child, Al brought laughter with a mischievous spark. His siblings have many stories of him being in trouble growing up and playing jokes or picking on them, but as the years went by, those relationships only grew stronger, and his siblings became his very best friends.

Al graduated from Cheyenne Wells High School in 1966. There are many stories of the mischief and great memories he cherished deeply with many of his classmates who he remained close with all his life. 

After graduation, he attended college in Trinidad.  He went on to build a career with Travelers Insurance where he worked as an adjuster until his retirement.  He was respected for his dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic. His career reflected his commitment to helping others and his ability to handle any challenge.  Being an adjuster led him to many disaster sites, including Hurricanes Katrina and Andrew, and Ground Zero following 9/11. Through this work, he became friends with many of his coworkers.

He enjoyed the many places he traveled to and called home, including Destin, Florida, Silverthorne, Fruita, Glenwood Springs, and back to his childhood home Cheyenne Wells.

Al married Lee in 1969, and to this union he became a devoted father to Dana, Todd, and Kirk, a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, and a cherished great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren. To them, he was affectionately known as “Popi Al,” a name that perfectly captured his warmth, humor, and special place he held in their hearts. 

Al’s family was his greatest joy. He was deeply proud, and cherished every moment spent with them. He loved attending their events, and looked forward to their visits. He passed on his love for ice box cookies and chocolate covered pretzels.

Throughout his life, Al enjoyed spending time at the beach, fishing, golfing, hunting and traveling. He will be remembered for his kind heart, stubbornness, strong work ethic, orneriness, wisdom and strength, and the joy he brought to those lucky enough to know him - a legacy that will live on through the generations who lovingly called him Popi Al.

He is survived by his siblings, Larry (Sylvia) Smith of Cheyenne Wells, sister-in-law, Tricia Smith of Denver, Barb Kernan of Cheyenne Wells, Ginger Slatten of Fort Collins, Monte (Diane) Smith of Cheyenne Wells, and Scott (Lynne) Smith of Cheyenne Wells; children, Dana Joyce of Denver, Todd (Stephanie) Smith of Loma, and Kirk (Suzanne) Smith of Winter Park; grandchildren, Shealyn (Drew) Weiszbrod, Skylar Smith, Addison Joyce, Hayden Smith, Sydney Smith, Carter Smith, Harper Smith, and Chase Smith; great-grandchildren, Navey, Daxton, and Ryder Weiszbrod; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.  

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ray Smith; brothers-in-law, Bill Kernan and Dave Slatten; and son-in-law, Brenden Joyce.

A celebration of life to honor Al’s life will be held March 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Smith residence, 46090 County Road N, Cheyenne Wells. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and share stories of the remarkable man who touched so many lives.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been established at the Eastern Colorado Bank, and donations will be given in honor of Al to the community that he was so proud of.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.