Paul Drennen Smith

Paul Drennen Smith of Claremore, OK, formerly of Sioux Falls, SD passed away in peace and with grace at his home on December 6, 2025.

Paul was born on January 4, 1934 to Ediss and Robert Smith in Sioux Falls. He was the youngest of five Smith children. Paul spent his years growing up between his home and at his family’s sign shop, Nobby Signs in downtown Sioux Falls. He also spent a lot of time with his friends and at the Sioux Falls YMCA where he developed a lifelong passion for physical fitness.

He graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls and attended University of South Dakota where he obtained a degree in journalism and later received a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from USD. Paul was a sportswriter for The Sioux Falls Argus Leader and for KELO Television in Sioux Falls.

In 1957 Paul married Marjorie Lee Hanna of Sioux Falls. A year later they had a son, Jeffrey. In July 1959 Marjorie died from injuries sustained in a car collision in rural Iowa. In 1962 Paul switched careers and became a public school teacher in Sioux Falls. He worked one year at Axtell Park Junior High, the remaining 34 years of his teaching career was at Patrick Henry Junior High. Mr. Smith taught grades 8-9 English, American History, Civics, Journalism, and when offered by the school district, Latin. He continued to lend his writing skills to The Argus Leader covering many local sporting events and tournaments throughout the years.

In 1974 Paul married Bonnie Lou Larson of Sioux Falls, bringing two families together as Bonnie had three children, RIck, Ron, and Karen. Paul also had an interest in real estate and took on a second, part-time and very successful career selling homes for the Dunham Company in Sioux Falls.

Paul also helped develop a Youth Handball League in tandem with the Sioux Falls YMCA, coaching kids interested in learning the highly skilled and challenging sport. He and Bonnie enjoyed traveling with the handball team for tournament play in various cities in the US.

After retirement Paul and Bonnie traveled to cities they enjoyed together, Omaha NE, Tulsa OK, Las Vegas NV, and The VIllages in Florida. They had active and full lives together until Bonnie’s illness forced them to stop traveling. In 2014 they moved to Claremore OK in search of better health care for Bonnie and to be closer to their son Ron Underwood of Claremore. In February 2015, Bonnie passed away at Sterling House in Claremore. Paul continued living in Claremore until the time of his passing.

Paul will be remembered and missed by sons Jeffrey Smith (Rebecca Steward) of Tucson AZ , Ron Underwood (Julie) of Claremore, Rick Underwood (Jo) of Rapid CIty SD, daughter Karen McQuisten (Paul) of Sioux Falls. Between them Paul and Bonnie celebrated grandchildren Michael, Samuel, and Jack Smith, Aaron(Jamie) and Adam Underwood, Christopher (Kim) andNicholas Underwood, Stephanie Andrews (Nate), and Roger and Tiffany (Alec) McQuisten. They were also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Paul in death were wives Marjorie and Bonnie, parents Ediss and Robert Smith, sisters Faye Schroyer, Peggy Westlake, brothers Clifford Smith and Robert Smith, Jr, grandson Samuel Smith and many other family members and friends over the years.

Those wishing to send a memorial in honor of Paul Smith can send them to the Paul Smith Family Trust ℅ Jeffrey Smith at 1859 South Math Quiz Drive, Tucson AZ85711. Memorials will be collected and given to Claremore Recreation Donations Center. The family prefers to present all memorials to the Rec Center at the same time.

In honor of Paul’s wishes, no funeral will be held but a celebration of his life for family and friends will be coming in the future.

A longer version of this obituary can be obtained by emailing Jeff Smith at lincolnbest2002@yahoo,com

Lastly, a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Dr. Brett Hinkle’s office, McDonald’s, Chili’s and The Claremore Rec Center. The caring folks at these establishments all had a lasting and positive impact on Paul’s daily life. For that, the family is truly grateful.