Two notable Morongo Basin residents have passed on…
Dr. Robert “Doc” Smeton, an 59-year resident of Twentynine Palms, died of cancer in Spokane, Washington, September 27. He was 84 years old. Doc Smeton is survived by his sons, David Smeton, Jeffrey Smeton, and Kenneth Smeton; his brothers Charles Smeton and Walton Smeton; his sister, Millie Zucker; three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Doc Smeton was a dentist in Twentynine Palms for 30 years, where he often made house calls in the middle of the night, as well as an instructor at Copper Mountain College and Loma Linda School of Dentistry. He made many trips to rural Mexico to provide free dental services as a missionary. Doc Smeton was also president of Rotary International of Twentynine Palms, a coach for youth basketball, a charter member of the Twentynine Palms Historical Society, and a member of the Twentynine Palms Park Board. He was instrumental in establishing the Roadrunner Dunes golf course.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 27, at Oasis Community Church, 6631 Utah Trail in Twentynine Palms. All who knew Doc Smeton are encouraged to come and share a memory.
