Joseph Norman Smathers passed away Oct. 21, 2012 at the age of 91. Joe was born, Nov. 6, 1920 to Sylvanus and Minnie (Orr) Smathers in Canton, N.C. Joe grew up there with his sister and four brothers. Joe dreamed of coming to Washington State where two of his uncles resided. At 17, he hoboed to Washington, riding the rails. He spent his first winter in Packwood with Minnie's brother, Jule Orr and said he never ate so good! He then worked on various farms for room and board. He met Kathleen Day through her brothers and they were married in 1940. The union brought forth four children, Bobby, Joleen, Kathy Sue and Edward. They later divorced. Joe worked as a logger for many years. He and his brother, Harry, started Smathers Bros. Logging. In 1959 he met Helen (Nelson) Dobbin in Aberdeen. They were married Sept. 8, 1959. This was the beginning of a beautiful love story that spanned 51 years. Joe and Helen bought a large farm where they lived and raised their now blended family, adding Heidi to the gang. He raised cattle for many years. He enjoyed his family and loved picking up the guitar for many impromptu music times. He enjoyed traveling to North Carolina and Arizona in the 5th wheel. He was very good at Blackjack and Texas Holdem and spent many hours at the Lucky Eagle Casino. He was preceded in death by his sons, Bobby and Eddie, wife, Helen, brothers, Roy, Orr, Harry and Cecil, sister, Charlotte Hammill, grandson, Lee Auman and son-in-law, Jack Davis. He is survived by his daughters, Joleen (Charles) Roy, Kathy (Steve) Beck, and Heidi Davis. He has 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Graveside service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. at Silver Creek Cemetery, Randle. A celebration of life will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Church of Glenoma with a potluck..