Ulah Edwin Smith Jr.

Ulah’s Eulogy

Ulah E. Smith Jr.

Born August 16, 1928

Passed February 27, 2025 in Templeton, CA at the age of 96.

Survived by his wife of 35 years, Cheri Smith, brothers, Jim and Paul, daughter, Wenda Michals, son, Brad Smith, 17 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his father, Ulah E. Smith Sr., mother, Dorothy Smith, brothers, Roy and Bill, twin sisters, Barbara and Bertha, son, Bern, daughter, Karali Smith Stuart.

Ulah was a native of Santa Maria, CA.

Graduated from Santa Maria High School.

Then joined the army and trained at Camp Roberts, Nov. 1950, served in the Korean War as Sgt. 1st class until 1952.

After his military service Ulah attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and graduated, then moved to Paso Robles in 1959.

Ulah had a small engine repair business in Paso Robles for 40 years. Because of his expertise in small engine re-pair, using a garden tractor, Ulah put a backhoe shovel on the back of that tractor, basically inventing the backhoe. He regretted not patenting it at the time.

He and his long-time friends David Barlogio and Darrel Stinchfield, (both preceding Ulah in death), collected tractors. At one time they had over 30 tractors.

Ulah married Cheri on July 4, 1990 and lived in the Willow Creek area of Paso Robles, in the home Ulah built in the 1970’s. They sold their home in 2001 and bought a 35’ motor home so they could spend more time to-gether.

They joined the SOWERs (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready) in 2004, and began their many trips all over the United States, working at Christian camps as a ministry. This was their life for 20 years. Ulah drove their mo-tor home until the age of 92.

Ulah was the small engine repair guy and tool maintenance guy at all the camps that they served at. He was an invaluable resource. He taught others the knowledge he had, especially the young men that watched him do his work. He was always more than willing to show and teach the young how to do things right.

Ulah and Cheri would periodically come back to Paso Robles to visit. You always knew when Ulah and Cheri were back in town…because you would see that 1952 International, army green truck driving down the front-age road, (South Vine St.) Ulah purchased that truck in 1952 when he got out of the army.

Sat March 29, 2025 at 2 :00 pm

at North County Christian Fellowship,

905 Vine St. Paso Robles, Ca.