Verlyn R. Smith

Verlyn R. Smith, 99, of Lytton, IA, passed away Friday, July 25, 2014, at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City. Verlyn was born July 1, 1915, in Lavinia, IA, the son of Harvey and Ada (DeSart) Smith. At age 13, he left home to become a jockey and an exercise boy at the racetrack. At the age of 14, he had the 2nd most wins among rookie jockeys that year. He raced at many of the big race tracks in the United States as well as Canada and Cuba.

After he retired from racing in 1932, he returned home to Lytton and lived with a brother. He entered high school there and graduated in 1936. He purchased 80 acres of farmland southeast of Lytton with his racetrack earnings.

He married his high school sweetheart, Lura Hull, in 1936 and they lived on the farm for the entire 66 years of their married life. In retirement, they became “snowbirds”, spending their winters in Florida, Texas, and Mesa. AZ. His hobbies included card games, playing pool, and visiting with friends and relatives. Until they bought a Park Model in Mesa, they enjoyed traveling in their Airstream trailer.

He is survived by his four children, Karen (Don) Larson of Santa Ana, CA, Dianne (Ron) Ruch of Onawa, IA, Mark Smith of Lytton, IA and Nicole Smith of Sac City, IA; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many extended family members.

Verlyn R. Smith, 99, of Lytton, IA, passed away Friday, July 25, 2014, at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City. Verlyn was born July 1, 1915, in Lavinia, IA, the son of Harvey and Ada (DeSart) Smith. At age 13, he left home to become a jockey and an exercise boy at the racetrack. At the age of 14, he had the 2nd most wins among rookie jockeys that year. He raced at many of the big race tracks in the United States as well as Canada and Cuba.