Robert Charles Smith

He entered WWII as an Aviation Cadet. He flew missions in Europe in C-47 aircraft. After the war he continued flying in the U.S. Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Viet Nam. He was a Forward Air Controller (FAC), based in Southeast Asia at DaNang and Bien Hoa Air Base. While there he was wounded on a support flight for the Marine Garrison at Khe Sanh. He was piloting an O-2 aircraft directing air strikes to help MedEvac helicopters evacuate wounded marines. He received a Silver Star, Purple Heart and Air Medals for his action. He retired with 34 years of service as a Lieutenant Colonel.

First and foremost, Robert was a spiritual man and even while overseas, he made sure his family attended Sunday Mass in whatever foreign country they were traveling (from Spain to the Philippines). His motto was always, “the family that prays together stays together.” His rosary was his constant companion and he attended Mass frequently. Robert taught his family to love the Lord, family, & life and he taught his children to eat almost anything.

He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Katherine Mae, and his young daughter, Deborah Kay.

He is survived by his eight children, Barbara Nugent, Stephanie Pheanis (Mike), Stephan Robert (Karen), Gregory Louis, (Max), Elizabeth Cole (Dennis), Andrea Finney, Kathryn Kreusel (Ed), Sara Smith. Additionally, he has fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and one sister, Mary (Smith) Mileto of Hollywood Maryland.

Visitation will be 6pm, Sunday, January 8, 2011 with a Rosary to be recited at 7pm at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 9, 2012 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8500 Cross Mountain Trail, San Antonio, TX 78255. The Graveside Service will be 9 am, Friday, January 13, 2012 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Assn. The family would like to thank his wonderful caregiver, Maria Arredondo, for the care she gave their father before the time of his death.