John J. Smith Jr.

John J. Smith, Jr., 91, of Midland, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2012. He was born on March 25, 1921 to John J. Smith and Jesse Brown Smith in Palo Pinto County, Texas. John was a resident of Midland for 59 years. He was a faithful member of the St. Paul’s Anglican Church. SSgt Smith proudly served in the Army Air Corps in WWII in the 321st B-25 Bomb Group.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Bourke Smith, his parents, John and Jesse Smith, and three brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include daughter, Becky Wallis and husband, John and daughter, Pam Smith, all of Midland. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Kelly Mendez and husband, Blake of Midland, Texas; Jessica Freeman and husband, Andrew of Kyle, Texas; Stephanie McDonald and husband, James Franklin, of Midland Texas; and great grandchildren, Blaine Mendez, Jack Freeman, Noah Franklin, Matthew Franklin, Deanna Collins, and Gregory Collins.

Family will welcome friends at Ellis Funeral Home on Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. A graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10:30am with Charles Hagelman officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland. Condolences can be made at: www.ellisfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Midland, P. O. Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702.