Herbert Ernest “Smitty” Smith, a lifetime educator, WWII Veteran, tireless community volunteer and former Houston, Mo., resident, died peacefully on Feb. 19, 2017, at the age of 91.
Born on May 13, 1925, he was preceded in death by his parents, Sterling and Sylvia Wycoff Smith; five of his six siblings; his beloved wife, Virginia Hubbard Smith; and by a daughter, Christine Smith.
He was survived by a brother, Robert (Mary) Smith of Weston, Mo.; three children, Steve (Rose), Becky (Jim) Dale and Sylvia Smith; grandchildren, Amanda (Sean) Hook, Jeremy Marling, Michael (Ceci) Santos, Herbert Smith and Sarah Wilson; great-grandchildren, Marco and Mia Santos and Matthew Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.
Known locally as “Ernest,” he lived a long and full life. He graduated from Houston High School in 1942 and shortly after was called to duty for WWII. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a pilot, fulfilling his dream of flying. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves, retiring after 20 years at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He obtained his masters from the University of Missouri at Columbia and had a career in teaching and administration in the Kirkwood, Mo., schools. He was assistant principal at Kirkwood High, known by many students as “The Dart.” He retired from teaching in 1983.
Ernest was a farmer at heart. He loved gardening and working on the Hubbard family farm on Brushy Creek. He believed that it was important to give back to the community and volunteered for many organizations including Kirkcare pantry, Meals-on-Wheels, tutoring youth in OASIS, Arthritis Foundation and Kirkwood Youth-in-Action.
He was a valued, active member of Webster Groves Christian Church, serving in various capacities and teaching adult Christian education classes for almost 50 years. He gave his life to the Lord at a young age during a tent revival held at Yukon, Mo. While living in Houston, he attended the Ozark Baptist Church with his family.
Kind and funny, he was always supportive of his family and community. To his children, extended family, neighbors and friends he was a wonderful example of a life well-lived.
Graveside services are 1 p.m. Friday, March 3, in Pine Lawn Cemetery with Pastor Todd Haley of Ozark Baptist Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ozark Baptist Church.
PAID
