Thomas Benjamin 'Tom' Smith, 79

Thomas Benjamin “Tom” Smith, 79, passed away peacefully, at his home in Sagle, Idaho, on Friday, June 18, 2010.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 10, in Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel. Dale Coffelt will be officiating with military honors to follow.

Tom was born on March 4, 1931, in St. Louis, Mo. the son of Thomas and Nota Smith. He graduated from Maplewood High School in St. Louis, Mo., and  in 1948 and joined the U.S. Coast Guard. He served from 1948 until 1952, as an engineman, and then completed his reserve time.

Tom lived in Anaheim, Calif., and was married to Joann who preceded him in death. He would work as a long-haul truck driver over the years. He drove from the different towns he lived in, including Sandpoint.

He began his racing career in California, building and racing his own midget and sprint cars on the circuit. He lived in Indianapolis and joined the USAC/Indy Car association. He started as a mechanic and later was the “crew chief’ for many of the racing legends of the day. He was crew chief for Bud Tingelstad, Bill Puterbaugh, Johnny Rutherford, Sammy Sessions, Bill Simpson, and Salt Walther.

Tom left racing in the 1970s and moved to Detroit, Mich., supervising a foundry operation.

Tom married Arlene Tingelstad on March 17, 1984, in Aiken, S.C. He restored antique autos, later moving to Rowland Heights, Calif.

In his “semi-retirement” he purchased, and restored a beautiful Piper Comanche. He owned and operated a pest control business, which he sold prior to moving to Sagle in 2002.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing, reading and his daschunds.

Tom is survived by his wife Arlene Smith of Sagle; two sons, Tommy (and Linda) Smith Conoga Park, Calif., and David (and Sandy) Smith of Encino, Calif.; two grandchildren, Rian and Shane; four nieces, a grand-niece, four grand-nephews, and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Sally Wheat.

Family and friends are invited to sign Tom’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.