John McDowell Smith

John entered the USAF in September of 1959. He was an Airman First Class and worked as a Fuel Supply Specialist. John served in the Laotian Conflict during the Vietnam War. He won the Airman's Medal for Bravery. John served at the Amarillo, Texas AFB, FSSD Greenland, and was honorably discharged at the Grand Forks ND AFB in September of 1965.

John received a degree in Business Administration in 1968 from the University of North Dakota. He excelled in various facets of business management including Advanced Management Development Program from the United States Telephone Association in 1981. John was in management at AT&T in Lincoln, NE. He was an entrepreneur, including a start-up computer company, a consultant for Horizon, as well as many other ventures in management.

John wed Joan Anderson in July of 1966. They are inseparable life partners and married 59 beautiful years. They spent their lives with loving devotion. They always greeted each other with a tender embrace. John enjoyed traveling with Joan. He hosted amazing meals with friends, which always ended in playing cards. John loved living on the lake, boating, talking politics and sports, especially Husker Football.

John was a devoted Christian and was passionate about his faith. He was committed to Christ the King Lutheran Church. The members of the church became his family. He was so thankful for those relationships. John held multiple leadership positions in the church, including past president.

John McDowell Smith is survived by his wife, Joan; brother, Dawson and Patricia Smith; children, Janet Smith, Joseph and Renee Engler; and grandchildren, Kaleb and Seth Engler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Randolph and Frances Smith; brother, Randolph Smith, Jr; and sister, Carol Warren.

A Funeral Service for John will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11am at Christ the King Lutheran Church; 23456 Olean Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33980.

Interment with Military Honors for John will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11am.