John Smith, Esteemed Maricopa Pioneer, Passes Away at 96

John Smith, a prominent Maricopa pioneer and farmer, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 96. He died at his residence in The Villages at Rancho El Dorado on Sunday morning.

Survived by his wife Mary Lou, whom he was married to for 73 years, Smith leaves behind four sons—Jim, Jack, Matt, and Mark—daughter Lisa Balcer, along with 22 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. His son Paul predeceased him.

Mary Lou Smith currently resides in an assisted living facility in Chandler, according to close family friends.

Born on September 8, 1927, in Hobart, Oklahoma, Smith moved with his family to Glendale at the age of two. The transition occurred during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era, and he later attended school in the West Valley.

Smith’s academic achievements include a business degree from the University of Arizona, where he formed a lasting friendship with Fred Enke Sr., a fellow founding father of Maricopa. Both participated in the university’s football team in the 1940s, with Smith playing as a wide receiver.

The Los Angeles Rams drafted him in 1950; however, his football career was cut short due to a shoulder injury. Subsequently, he partnered with Enke in agriculture, beginning with the purchase of 320 acres near what would later be known as Smith-Enke Road. Their farm eventually expanded to several thousand acres.

During their partnership, Smith and Enke constructed Smith-Enke Road to facilitate their farming operations. John and Mary Lou established their well-known home in the Villages community in 1955, amidst fields of cotton, alfalfa, barley, and an impressive 25,000 pecan trees.

Smith and Enke parted ways in 1963, allowing John to focus on his portion of the farmland while Fred directed his efforts toward what is now the UofA’s Agricultural Center. Smith remained active in community service, serving on the UofA advisory board and the Maricopa Agricultural Center, among other organizations.

In reflecting on his father, Jack Smith noted John’s desire to be buried in Maricopa, echoing his frequent quip about securing a cemetery plot. Later in life, John took up reading, developing a strong interest in Arizona’s history.

Smith shared his extensive knowledge and passion for history with friends, including neighbor Pete Lawrenson. “He was a unique character,” Lawrenson remarked, recalling the insightful conversations they shared. Their friendship blossomed during winter visits, filled with exploration and historical lessons.

John Smith played a key role in the establishment of the Maricopa swimming pool in the 1950s, demonstrating his commitment to community health and recreation. He and Enke, both active members of the local Rotary Club, donated land for the pool and park, significantly reducing the project’s costs through community support and fundraising initiatives.

As the community remembers John Smith, plans for a celebration of life are still in the works, with family members currently handling the arrangements.