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