Final Salute

Senior Chief (Ret.) Dennis C. Smitherman, 82, of Fife, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025.

Dennis served 23 years in the U.S. Navy as a Steelworker (Welder) with the Seabees, deploying to Vietnam, Bosnia, Croatia, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. Known for his dedication and skill, he embodied the Seabee motto: “We build, we fight.”

Born in Inglewood, California, Dennis graduated from Andrews High School. He shared 40 years of marriage with his wife, Rosemary, and is survived by his children: Shantele Johansen, Stacie and Bill Filler, Dennis and Christie Smitherman, Scott and Jennifer Smitherman, Mike and Kari Pelham, and Jeff Pelham; 14 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Dennis enjoyed hunting, bowling, and time with family and friends. A memorial service is planned for the spring at Tahoma National Cemetery, with notifications to be made to friends and family.
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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5, 2025.