Dr. Woody Smith passes at 79

Dr. Donald Woodrow “Woody” Smith, DVM, 79, made his last vet call on Dec. 22, 2025. Woody passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 5, 1946, in Akron, Colo., to Donald and Virginia Smith. He grew up in Ramah, Colo. 

From a young age, he was called Woody, as he was named after his uncle Woodrow. Uncle Woody was a West Point graduate and later died in World War II. His courage saved his squad, but caused his death in the Netherlands. His father, Don, also served in World War II, where he earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his courage in the Battle of the Bulge. The examples set by his father and uncle instilled in him the toughness and grit that he exhibited throughout his life. 

The Smith family moved to Ramah, Colo., in 1948, to raise their family and registered Angus cattle and racing Quarter Horses. As the eldest son, Woody learned the value of hard work working on the ranch. He rode and broke horses, fixed fence, worked in the hayfield, and he also enjoyed 4-H, where he participated in livestock judging and showed cattle. Woody had asthma and was allergic to dust and mold. He was told he wouldn’t be able to become a veterinarian, which was all the inspiration he needed. Woody was tough, competitive, and appreciated the challenge to prove himself. In school, he enjoyed football, basketball and running track. In 1964, he graduated from Big Sandy High School in Simla. He went on to Colorado State University, where he was a pre-vet major, and he belonged to the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. During college, he worked during the day at the Centennial horse track, working with Dr. Bill Farrow and living in a tack room, and at night he worked at the Mile High dog track. Before he graduated from school, he agreed to purchase a veterinary clinic in Kiowa, Colo., from Dr. Marvin Maul. A few weeks later, Woody became Dr. Smith when he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and became board certified in Colorado and Wyoming in 1970. For over 55 years, Dr. Woody helped clients with their animals of all sizes. 

COMANCHE VET

In the early days, Dr. Smith did everything at Comanche Vet. As a mixed practice, Doc enjoyed the variety of work. On ranch calls, he often heard “Hey Doc, while you’re here, can you also vaccinate the cat?” Dr. Smith’s passion was caring for horses and cattle in Elbert County and beyond. He aimed to help the long-time ranchers, horse breeders and trainers in the area. He built his vet practice one client at a time by being there to assist them in their time of need. Through the years, Woody had relaxed and often shared stories of life experience while working on a horse or cow. He was willing to share his knowledge with anyone who wanted to learn more. 

Even with a busy schedule, Woody was an avid sports fan. He followed any sports, especially football and basketball at the college level. He also coached boys and girls pee wee basketball teams. He was proud to see both his son and daughter and their teammates compete in Colorado’s 1A state high school basketball tournament in 1993 and 1998. Woody was a 4-H horse leader in 1970s and 80s. He also served on the Elbert County Fair Board as co-chairman with Ric Miller. With the support of the community and Colorado lottery funding, the fair board made numerous improvements to the fairgrounds, which remain in use today. As a son of a district conservationist for the Soil Conservation Service, Woody enjoyed planting trees for living snow fences as an effective windbreak for livestock and wildlife. For decades, he has driven to check and feed his cows in Ramah on his family’s ranch, and he genuinely found enjoyment in building and fixing fence. His love for horses continued throughout his life with his broodmares. From breeding to foaling to watching them run at the race track, raising horses was one of his greatest passions. 

Woody did what he loved. Throughout this fall, he continued to take care of animals and share his knowledge and experiences with others. His family knew that’s where he was happiest working as a veterinarian. Even as he had health challenges the last few years, his ultimate goal was to get back to work. He continued caring for animals and being a veterinarian through the fall of 2025. 

Woody’s legacy will live on. His body is being donated to science for the opportunity to learn and understand the physiology of the human body. That’s how he gained a lot of his knowledge and experience as a young vet student. 

FAMILY AND SERVICES

Preceding him in death are his parents, Don and Virginia Smith, his sister Mary, her husband Jim McCormick, and his brother, Turner. 

Family members include his wife, Robin. His children, Trevor (Melissa) and Leslie Smith. Robin’s children, Matt (Jenny Alsberg) and Justin Ehlers. His grandchildren, Hilton and Brecklyn Smith, Eleanor Ehlers, Liliauna, and Evalyn Kelley. 

A life celebration gathering will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Elbert County Fairgrounds at 10 a.m. with a reception immediately to follow. In honor of Woody’s western way of life, jeans are welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dr. Woody Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund at Farmer’s State Bank in Kiowa, Colo.