SMOAK, Elmer C. (Age 90) Passed peacefully into the arms 
of his loving Heavenly Father on December 8, 2012 at the 
age of 90. He was born in Anthony, Florida on October 10, 
1922. He was the second of seven children born to Furman 
and Edna Smoak. He completed his elementary and high 
school education in Florida. After two years at the 
University of Florida he drove across the United States 
to work the summer on a Forest Service crew in the Blue 
Mountains of Oregon. On December 8, 1942 he enlisted in 
the US Navy. He served on the USS Luzon repairing ships 
and landing crafts that helped retake the Pacific Islands. 
He stayed with his ship in occupied Japan for nine months 
after VJ day. He was honorably discharged in Charleston, 
South Carolina. The diesel mechanic skills he acquired in 
the Navy served him well for the rest of his working years. 
He returned to the Pacific Northwest where he met his future 
wife, Barbara Jessup at the Libby Canning Company in Walla 
Walla, Washington. Elmer and Barbara were married on February 
14, 1947. In the spring of 1947 Elmer accepted a position 
with the Northern Pacific Railroad at the time of transition 
from steam to diesel engines. He worked for the railroad in 
Livingston, Montana, St. Paul and Brainard, Minnesota, Tacoma, 
Washington and then back to Livingston, Montana. He finished 
his railroad career as the Round House Foreman in Missoula, 
Montana in November of 1980. Elmer and Barbara moved to S
pokane in the spring of 1980. That next November he began a 
position he cherished, playing Santa Claus in Spokane's 
Riverpark Square. He continued being "Santa Elmer" for the 
next 22 years listening to the Christmas wishes and dreams 
of many wonderful children and adults. He enjoyed his wood 
working shop, camping, traveling and spending time with his 
family. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and attended 
Garland Avenue Alliance Church. He is survived by his wife 
of 65 years Barbara; three daughters Terri, Marilynn and 
Debbie; 2 grand-daughters Nanci (Gary) and Nikki (Dave); 
and 2 great grandchildren Ava and Ian. He is also survived 
by 2 sisters and one brother. The family wishes to thank 
the outstanding staff at the Spokane Veterans Home for their
loving care of Elmer during his last 18 months. A celebration 
of Elmer's life will be held on Monday, March 18, 2013 at 2 
PM at Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane. In lieu of flowers 
please make a donation to the . (Ed. note: Published truncated.)


Published in Spokesman-Review on March 13, 2013