Stephen (Steve) Michael Smith, 64, of Midwest City, Okla., passed away on Jan. 30, 2018.
Steve was born June 20, 1953, in Springfield, Mo. He was the first born of the four children of Herbert E. Smith and Virginia Hubbard Smith (both deceased).
Steve attended Kirkwood schools in St. Louis, Mo., where he graduated in 1971.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1972 and proudly served his country for 24 years. He was stationed in many places including: Agana, Guam; Fallon, Nev.; Iroquois Point, Hawaii; Whidbey Island, Wash.; Atsugi, Japan; and ending at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Okla. Although his carrier began on land, it quickly transferred to the sea. He served on a number of aircraft carriers including the USS Ranger and the USS Independence. His service was recognized by awards and medals including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Award, and Humanitarian Service Medal. His uniform was also decorated with a number of ribbons and stars. Chief Petty Officer Steve Smith retired in 1996 with the rank/rate- AZC (E7).
Steve enjoyed many things in life. He cherished every moment he shared with his family and especially enjoyed a full house during the holidays. He loved the outdoors and loved being on the water. He would spend hours organizing his fishing tackle and looking through fishing magazines planning his next fishing trip. He could spend countless hours fishing and never be ready to go home. Steve held a very special place in his heart for the family farm on Brushy Creek in Houston, Mo. He could tell endless stories of childhood memories spent at the farm exploring the land, hunting, and, of course, fishing in the ponds.
Steve is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rose, who he met in Saipan while he was stationed in Agana, Guam. They married on May 21, 1977 in Saipan. He is also survived by his son, Mike Santos; daughter in-law, Ceci Santos; two grandchildren, Marco and Mia of Waialua, Hawaii; son, Herb Smith of Midwest City, Okla.; his sister, Becky and brother in-law James Dale; sister, Sylvia Smith of St. Louis, Mo.; eight brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
His parents, Herbert E. Smith and Virginia Hubbard Smith, and one sister, Christine Smith, preceded Steve in death.
Visitation is 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, at Evans Funeral Home, Houston, Mo., followed by graveside services and burial at 3 p.m. in Pine Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. Todd Haley officiating. Services are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Veterans of Oklahoma. http://woundedveteransofoklahoma.org/donate/ . You may send an online condolence to the family at www.evansfh.com.
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