E. H. Smathers

DENISON - E.H. Smathers JR., 84 of Denison passed away May 5, 2012 at Medical Center of Plano of injuries sustained in a fall at his home on April 24th. A memorial service for Mr. Smathers will be held Saturday May 12 at 3:00pm at Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastors Louella Williams and Mel Caraway, officiating. Interment will be held at a later time. A time of visitation for friends and family will follow the service in the church’s fellowship hall.

E.H. was born in Denison, July 9, 1927, the first born of Elton H. and Edith (Carender) Smathers. He was later joined by three brothers and one sister to the family. He attended public schools in Denison, and Denison Commercial College. He served in the United States 8th Army 71st QM from 1945-1947, stationed in Japan as part of occupational forces, receiving the World War II Victory and Army of Occupation medals.

On October 15, 1949 E.H. Smathers and Nancy Raines were united in marriage and would have celebrated 63 years of happy marriage in October this year. E.H. and Nancy had one son born to them, Kevin Allen Smathers who passed away in 1991, at the age of 35.

E.H. was a proud member of the Denison Fire Department for 38 years, retiring as a lieutenant in 1988. As a young firefighter he was affectionately dubbed “POP” by fellow firemen and that nickname remains today. He attended fire fighting training at College Station in Bryan, Texas and EMT training at Grayson College. On days off from the fire station he worked part time for Tommy’s appliance service for many years.

E.H. was a very active member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized in 1957. He served on the church Building Committee, charter member of Wesley S.S. Class, church treasurer for 11 years. He enjoyed working in the church outreach program “Stew for the Soul”.

E.H. was a master mason belonging to Lone Star Lodge #403. He recently received his 60 year membership pen.

E.H. enjoyed camping and RV ing with family and friends on Lake Texoma, La Veta, CO, and Roaring River, Missouri. He labored at trout fishing but never landed a big catch- just lots of fellowship. He enjoyed friends made at What-a-burger coffee time.

E.H. is survived by his wife, Nancy; sister, Bonnie Doty of Denison; brother, Fern and wife Joanna of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; granddaughers, Dillon Smathers & fiance´ Kris McPherson, both of Weott, California; Stacy Smathers and fiancé Kevin Mayo of Bedford, Texas; step- grandson Mark Younker of Pottsboro; daughter-in law, Chris Smathers of Pottsboro; sisters-in law Zelta Smathers of Denison; Ann Baldwin of Sherman; Deloris Raines of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; brother-in-law John Raines and wife Janet of Denison; much loved nieces, nephews and other precious family and friends. E.H. was predeceased by parents; brothers Elmer and Paul Smathers; son, Kevin; brothers-in law J.C. Doty and Glenn Raines.

Donations in E.H.’s memory may be made to the Mission Outreach Program of Trinity United Methodist Church, 101 East HWY 69 Denison, TX 75021.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard St., Denison, TX 75020, (903) 465-2323. On line condolences may be made to the family at www.bratcherfuneralhome.com.

God grant that I may live,

to fish until my dying day,

and when it comes to my last cast

I then most humbly pray,

when in the Lord’s safe landing net,

I’m peacefully asleep

that in His mercy I be judged,

as good enough to keep.

(Fisherman’s prayer)