Milton G. Smith

St. Johnsville - Milton G. Smith 86, a lifelong St. Johnsville resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2023, at his home with the love and support of his family by his side.

He was born on May 21, 1937, in the Town of Oppenheim, the son of the late Myron and Carrie Mae (Lyons) Smith and was a graduate of Oppenheim - Ephratah High School.

Mr. Smith was a proud United States Army veteran, enlisting on August 15, 1960, and has honorably discharged on August 3, 1962, with the rank of Private First Class.

Milton was first married to the former Carol Snell who preceded him in death in 1993. He was later married to Arlene (Sweet) Conkling on May 4, 1996.

For over 40 years, Milton was employed as a mechanic at the former Failing Ford Company in St. Johnsville.

Milton was an avid NASCAR fan. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, snowmobile and four-wheeler. He also loved working on and rebuilding lawn mowers and small engine repair after his retirement.

Survivors include his loving wife, Arlene; two daughters, Beth Scanlon and husband Patrick and Bonnie Elwood and husband Brian; a son, Dale Smith and wife Kim; a sister, Violet Pearl; his stepchildren, Paula Kooi, Colleen (Jay) Conkling, John D. Conkling, Jr. and Jeffrey S. Conkling; his grandchildren, Kristine Smith, Justin (Kim Folts) Smith, Meghan (Nick) Ryder, Morgan (AJ) Conn, Mackenzie (Dakota) Elwood, Gabby (Hunter) Elwood, Brittany Failing, Vincent Failing and Carl (Rebecca) Gogal; great grandchildren, Kendra Ryder, Kayeigh Smith, Harleen Kelly, Paisley Kelly, Hailey Williams, Braiden Smith, Joshua Smith, Colin McGlaughlin, Elijah Prevost and Brooke Prevost; step grandchildren, Jason Gilschrist, Jr., Kayla Wing, Brittany Conkling, Jeff Conkling, Jr., Eric Kooi, Robert Kooi, Cody Conkling, Tyler Conkling and Hannah Conkling; step great grandchildren Julian Ruth Conkling, Alexander Conkling, Landon Conkling and Zoey Conkling; several nieces and nephews including a special nephew  and friend, Rusty Mento; and a dear lifelong friend Bobby Failing; and his canine companion, Bosco.

He was pre-deceased by his loving daughter, Michelle Burkdorf; sister, Gladys Congdon; brothers, Martin Smith and Myron Smith; and his stepson, David Lee Conkling.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 1:00 pm from the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY, with Reverend R.W. Williams, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Johnsville Cemetery with full military honors accorded. The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 11:00 am until the time of the services at 1:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers please make all memorial contributions in Milton's name to the Mt. Valley Hospice, 108 Steele St., Gloversville, NY 12078. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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