Deane Charles Smith, 80, of Great Falls, passed away on April 22, 2022, of natural causes at Benefis West. Deane was born May 12, 1941, and lived the majority of his life in Great Falls. On October 7, 1961, he married Sandra Ann Callison, the love of his life. Deane started his automotive career at Bob & Ole’s Conoco in the late 50s and early 60s. From there he became owner and operator of Northside Conoco from 1968 until 1998. He started and co-owned 2D’s Electric with his good friend, Donnie Fort. He also had an autobody shop with his friend, Bruce O’Connor.

Deane was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; and his parents, Percy and Pearl Smith. Survivors include children, Scott (Valerie) Smith of Chewelah, Washington, Deana (Dan) Flannery of Great Falls, Montana, and Ryan (Tina) Smith of Greenacres, Washington; grandchildren, Kaylene Smith, Leanne (Richie) Noonan, Daniel Flannery, Megan Flannery, Sara Smith, and Zachery Smith; his sister, Patricia Marsden of Great Falls; and honorary children, Spence Eli (his lil’ bum), Jeff Carlisle, and Brian Robison.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Benefis West for all of their care and devotion to Deane during his time there. Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to www.mikeroweworks.org/donate in support of the automotive and industrial trades.            

A celebration of Deane’s life will be held at Schnider Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022. As kids, we always tried to leave home before Dad could see us and tell us no you cannot go you have chores to do, later on he mentioned to Mom “Why do the kids always leave and not tell me goodbye?” After we found out about this, we always said Goodbye before we left. So here it is … “Dad, goodbye. Rest well, and we know you are dancing in Heaven with Mom. We love you.”