Jack Lee Waddell

Lt. Col. Jack L. Waddell, 88, of Fort Smith died Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Mercy Hospital. He was born January 4, 1926, to the late Arthur Russell and Ruby Louise Mead Waddell in Butler, MO. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church where he was a member of the choir, past Grand Knight of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, a licensed Amateur Radio operator for over fifty years, a member of the Federal Order of Eagles #208 and the Airline Owners & Pilots Association. Jack graduated from Kansas State College with a degree in electrical engineering and also studied Industrial Journalism while in the military. He served in three branches of the military, the Army Air Corps, was a pilot in the Navy during World War II, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal among many other awards in the U.S. Army where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served his country for 24 years. He was a past Director of Personnel at St. Edwards Hospital, a salesman for Metropolitan Life, a Post Commander at Ft. Chaffee, and was a small business owner during his lifetime. Jack also served Immaculate Conception Catholic School as a bus driver for more than 20 years. He is survived by his daughter Celia Waddell of Fort Smith; his special friend and companion Bea Cuthbertson and her sons, John and Dennis Spradlin; four step-sons, Harold Boerner and wife Nancy, Greg Boerner and wife Trina, Gary Boerner and wife Ruthie all of Fort Smith, David Boerner and wife Pam of Little Rock and three step-daughters Vicky Holleman and husband Stanley, Shirley LaBorn and husband Karl, and Claudia Moreton and husband Tommy all of Fort Smith; sixteen step-grandchildren and nineteen step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carolyn Waddell and after her death, wife Elizabeth Boerner Waddell. Funeral service will be Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be his step-sons and step-grandsons Nicholas Boerner and Chad Moreton. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5-7 PM. Memorials can be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 2112 S Greenwood Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72901-6299. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com