Arthur Donald Smith

Abilene – Arthur Donald Smith, age 78, passed away August 21, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Smith was born May 14, 1933 in Newark, NJ to Leo Joseph and Catherine Drelich Smith. He graduated from West Side High School in Newark, NJ and enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the Navy he met and married his wife of 57 years, Frances Gallagher Smith. Upon separation from the Navy in 1955 he went to work for Pratt and Whitney in Hartford, CT. He attended Mitchell Junior College in New London, CT and Eastern Connecticut State College (formerly Willimantic State Teachers College) before going to work for Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, CT. In1959 he received his honorable discharge from the Navy, having completed his time in the Navy Reserves. He later worked for Raytheon Company in Charleston, SC. In 1967 he accepted a position with Texas Aerospace Services, Inc, a newly formed company in Abilene, where he served in various capacities including President and CEO. During his time with Texas Aerospace Services the company had several Value Engineering Change Proposals accepted by the US Army Material Command and was awarded a plaque for their response to the accelerated needs during Operation Desert Storm. He retired from Texas Aerospace Services in 2000. He was a life member of the National Defense Industrial Association. One of his greatest loves was being Dad to his and Frances’ five active children. He always encouraged them in pursuing their respective fields of interest during their growing years. He coached his sons Little League baseball teams and was a staunch Cooper football fan while his sons played high school football. He was an avid golfer and always volunteered for the La Jet Classics held in Abilene. He also had a great love for flying and flew every chance he had. During his years in Abilene he became involved with the Air Force Association and served one term as President. He was also a member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and served on the Military Affairs Committee. Advanced Parkinsons has captured his body but not his spirit and love for our great United States of America. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Joseph and Catherine Drelich Smith; sister, Leona Kasparek; step-mother, Sophie Burba Smith and daughter, Catherine A. Smith Jones. Survivors include his wife, Frances G. Smith; sons, Kevin Arthur Smith and wife Connie of Abilene; Peter Alan Smith and wife Danielle of Buda, TX; and Robert Eric Smith and wife Naomi of Ashburn, VA; daughter, Patricia Jackson and husband Lance of Kingwood, TX; brother, John Joseph Smith and wife Judy of Mount Pleasant, SC; grandchildren, Lauren Jackson Bireley, Thomas Lee Jackson, Tressie Smith Zellner, Katherine Jackson Laskowski, Halie N. Jones, Sarrie S. Smith, William L. Jackson, Dustin A. Smith, Brooke C. Smith, Margaret A. Jackson, Andrea Hope Jones, Connor Z. Smith, Eliana C. Smith and Joshua Smith; and great grandchildren, Sophie Bireley, John Matthew and Dexter Zellner. The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South with the Rosary being recited at 7pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11am Wednesday, August 24th at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Road. A graveside service will be held at 10am Thursday, August 25th at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery, 5701 Hwy 277 South. Friends may leave messages of condolence at www.elliott-hamil.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Arthur’s memory to the American Parkinson’s Association, 3610 22nd Street #300, Lubbock, Texas 79410 or Meals on Wheels, 717 N. 10th Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.