Elijah Daniel Smith

Elijah Daniel Smith, age 27, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed from this life on December 22, 2022.

Elijah was born on July 14, 1995 in Fort Collins and he graduated from the Aims High School program in Greeley before enlisting the United States Marine Corps. While Elijah was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, he was promoted ahead of his peers to the Rank of Sergeant, in just over three years. While still enlisted, he deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and would end up traveling during this deployment to Singapore, Malaysia, Israel, UAE (Dubai), Bahrain and Guam. His Deployment would go on to support the 'Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign'. This deployment is also known for their involvement with the rescue and recovery operation of the USS John McCain after the ship had been stuck by a freighter.

Often described as a goofball, Eli was outgoing and spontaneous. He was also a great baseball player and took new players under his wing to teach them the game. If you knew Eli, it was like knowing a brother. He was quite literally willing and ready to give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. The last 2 years, Eli was less himself as he struggled with his mental health and ultimately lost his battle with addiction. But that does not define Eli's life. We will always remember him and miss the fun and generous spirit that he was.

Elijah is survived by his mother, Laurie Smith; brothers, Jaccob Smith and Isaiah (Selena) Griffith; children, Kaiya and Keegan Smith and Ezekiel Smith; grandmother, Linda Griffith; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Daniel Griffith.