Jack Rendall Smith

Jack graduated from Lee’s Summit Missouri High School in 1958. He was the Editor of “58” Reflections, a monthly newsletter he began in order to keep contact with his high school graduation class. He was instrumental in organizing the 50th class reunion, which was a huge success. In April, 2010 he was inducted into his High School Hall of Fame, based on his leadership, community service, and citizenship.

Jack spent his entire career of over 50 years in the field of aerial reconnaissance and aerial survey photography. He began his career in the United States Air Force in 1959 as an aerial photographer and photo lab technician where he gained valuable experience in a field he loved and chose to follow. While serving in the U.S.A.F. Jack was attached to the photographic group assigned to the Astronaut and Aerospace Program. These were the first two groups of Astronauts to go into space for the United States and they were photographed daily.

Upon leaving the Air Force Jack continued his profession entering the civilian sector of the aerial survey photography industry. During his career he worked for RADAT Systems, Utility Data Corporation, Air Photo Services, Remote Sensing Institute at South Dakota State University, Aero Service Corporation and Intera Technologies.

In May 1994 he became a principle and Vice President with Aerial Viewpoint, the largest aerial photography mapping company in Texas. He spent the last 17 years overseeing the photo lab and historical data resale operations.

Jack was also a Partner in the ownership of a hangar and office facility, located at Hooks Airprot, Spring, Texas. He owned a Patent that describes the method in which a hole is cut in the bottom of a Piper Navajo airplane for installation of aerial cameras.

Jack was active with the American Legion and his church, Cy-Fair Christian Church. He always worked with the youth of the community where he resided. Through his talents and enjoyment of sports, he taught young people the value of sportsmanship, and through his donations, he provided them with the opportunity to become involved in teamwork.

On May 20, 1961 he married Anna Marie Wesson and to this union, three children were born. On June 22 , 1979 he married LuAnn (Penrod) Thibeault and opened his arms and heart to three more children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother Billie Tom Smith.

He is survived by his wife, LuAnn, of the home; his former wife, Anna Smith of Austin; two sisters: Kay Paul, Lee’s Summit, MO; and Beulah Emry, Peculiar, MO; and his mother-in-law, Allene Penrod of Roosevelt, OK. His children: Cheryl Belman and husband Armando of Helotes, Tx, Tricia Varnell and husband Randy of Kill Devil Hills, NC; Darren Smith and wife Carol of Rowlett, Tx; Peter Thibeault and wife Beverly of Tulsa, OK; Teran Martin and fiancé Darrell Rutledge of Houston, and Robert Thibeault and wife Ramona of Spring.

Eleven grandchildren: Lisa Rangel, Jennifer Ramirez , Tina Varnell, Sarah Varnell, Jacob Smith, Maddie Smith, Hearther Wilson and husband Chad; Harley Martin; Christopher Thibeault and wife Randi, Jon Robert Thibeault, Ryan Thibeault.

Four great-grandchildren: Dylan Rangel, Haley Ramirez, Charles and Cason Wilson.

Also several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jack was a man who loved his family, was devoted to his beliefs, and cared for those in need. He was a generous, giving man who had a quiet strength of remarkable character. He will be greatly missed.