Max Dwane Smith

Born to Thurman Emmit and Stella Mae Smith in Cedar Grove, Texas County, Missouri on August 12, 1928. He was the fifth of 10 children with his siblings in order: James, Laverne, Mary, Louise, Max, Don & Dan, Joyce, Edna, and Virginia. He lived in a two-bedroom house on a farm of 2000 acres. Went to school in a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade proceeded to high school at Houston High School in Houston, Missouri. While in high school he worked as a chauffer and a soda jerk. He had a favorite horse named Old Ribbon and he competed in many races proving she was the fastest horse in the county.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June of 1946 and had basic training at the San Diego Naval Training Center. He crossed the country by train. Having lived in the country he had only seen a train once, before the exciting trip to San Diego. Upon reaching the Train Depot in San Diego, a Training Center bus arrived to pick up the new recruits. Max recalls being very scared and apprehensive. He had never been exposed to the big city and was raised without electricity or running water in the home. The bus stopped just outside the gate to the base and the drill instructor ordered all off the bus. He told them to have their last smoke and about a minute or so later he ordered them to toss the cigarettes. He shouted the question, “How many of you young men are from Texas?” Four raised their hands and he barked an order for them to pick up the butts and carry them aboard the base. At about 1am they arrived at their barracks and were sent off to bed. He was aroused at 4am and ordered to make his bunk as it appeared the night before. After chow the barber shop was the next stop. With three swipes of the clippers, he was a skinhead. On to the small stores, where he was issued a complete seabag, with the official uniform of the U.S. Navy. Boot Camp was a real test of strength and fortitude for a young man from a very rural farm in Missouri. His Naval career stretched from 1946 to July 7, 1967.

He met Doris Dishong at the home of Doris’ cousin Bob Hoy sometime in July of 1953. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Nerius, a submarine tender in San Diego and knew Bob through the navy as they were stationed together aboard the Nerius until Bob left the Navy. Right after the meeting he left for a 30 day leave and the two corresponded. He was discharged from the Navy after 6 years and had decided to become a civilian. They dated for approximately 3 months and were married in Asbury Methodist Chapel in Highland Park on November 28, 1953. Bob and his wife Connie were the best man and matron of Honor.

He got his first civilian job at Bethlem Steel in Los Angeles but was laid off after a month. He then went to work in an electrical parts manufacturing plant and worked the midnight to 7am shift. He had 90 days to re-enlist in the Navy and maintain his rating. On his 90th day he made the final decision to re-enlist and he remained in the Navy until July 17, 1967, serving in the SeaBees in Little Creek, VA, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad, the British West Indies. He was discharged in 1949 remained out for 30 days and decided to return to Navy life. He was sent to the U.S.S. Nerius AS 17 in San Diego, CA. It was during that time he met Doris. After his re-enlistment he was immediately sent to the U.S.S. Defense AM 317 in Korea. He remained on the Defense for approximately 3 months and was transferred to shore duty in Great Lakes, Illinois. He subsequently spent time aboard U.S.S. Blue, U.S.S. Fletcher and the U.S.S. Caliente. He had shore duty in Philadelphia, PA and finished his 22 year career with shore duty in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, being discharged into civilian life in July 17, 1967.

He spent the next 24 years working for Sears Roebuck and Co. After his retirement, the family bought a motor home and traveled the country, seeing all 50 states and their capitals and all the Presidents homes and libraries. Spending summers on the road was a way of life for the next quarter of a century. Being able to have our Granddaughters with us for many of those years was especially wonderful.

Max had a very good and fulfilling life and was happiest when he could step up and help a friend or neighbor.

Those flashing blue eyes will be remembered.