Bainbridge Island resident Howard Earl Smith, age 80, died Dec. 14 at Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle.

He was born Oct. 22, 1924 in Bremerton to Lionel and Elma (Bard) Smith.

Following graduation from South Kitsap High School in 1944, he served in the U.S. Air Force.  He worked for the Kitsap County Road Department for nearly 30 years before retiring in 1979. 

During his retirement years, he remained active as a heavy equipment operator for local contractors and for Wilkins Distributing in Port Orchard. 

He raised quarter horses, and for 15 years traveled the country as an American Quarter Horse judge.

He is survived by his wife Sylvia, Bainbridge Island; daughter Tracy Adams and son-in-law Gerry Adams, Bainbridge; sister Elsie Sarb and brother-in-law Elmer Sarb, Port Orchard; and granddaughters Madison and Mackenzie Adams, Bainbridge.

Private family services will be held later. Remembrances can be made to Virginia Mason Hospital, 925 Seneca St., Seattle, WA 98111.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home.