Dr. Lehi T. Smith

Dr. Lehi T. Smith passed quietly from this life on 22 August 2026 from age related causes, completing a life which he had enjoyed to the fullest for 98 years. He was born in Oakley, Idaho to George A. Smith and Phosia Humphries Smith, but spent the major part of his life in various parts of Arizona. He was predeceased by his dear wife of 68 years, Georgia Bateman Smith, and is survived by their four sons, David (wife Kellie), Mark (wife Shelly), Thane (wife Jean), and Kent (wife Julie), and by 17 grandchildren and by 24 great-grandchildren.

Shortly after graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, he served for two years as a full-time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New England States Mission. He entered the Army soon after his return home, serving during the Korean War in the Army Ordinance Corp, in guided missile systems R&D. Subsequently, he taught mathematics and science at Pima High School in Pima, AZ, and mathematics at North Phoenix High School in Phoenix, AZ. He served as the Registrar of the Redwood City Adult School in Redwood City, CA. He attended Stanford University where he received his doctorate in 1959, after which he was offered a faculty position at both Brigham Young University and at Arizona State University. He chose and served at the latter for 35 years as a professor of mathematics. While there, he was asked to develop programs for teachers of mathematics. During his years at ASU, he directed many programs for graduate students that were sponsored through grants he applied for and received from the National Science Foundation. These programs drew graduate students from all over the U.S. and from other nations. He wrote several articles published in national refereed journals, was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and was on the editorial board of the journal, School Science and Mathematics.

He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life. He served at different times in various capacities, including as full-time missionary, Bishop, Stake High Councilor, and as High Priest Group Leader. He served as Patriarch in the Tempe Stake and then in the Mesa Central Stake for a total of about 30 years, giving 1,548 Patriarchal Blessings.

Services will be held in the Fountain Ward building at 925 North Harris Drive, Mesa AZ, at 8:30 a.m. on September 5, 2026 (visitation 7:30-8:15 a.m.). The body will be laid to rest in the Mesa City Cemetery. Any who wish to commemorate his life with flowers are invited instead to make a contribution to the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.