Noel Elton Smith Jr.

Born April 12, 1925 in Stanaford, W. VA, Mr. Smith grew up and attended public schools in Charleston, W. VA. He attended the University of Nebraska and later graduated as an Electrical Engineer from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Mr. Smith joined the US Army Air Corp as an Aviation Cadet in July 1943 and earned his pilot Wings and Commission as a Second Lieutenant in December 1944 at the age of 19. He was a B-17 bomber pilot in WWII. He served as a pilot in Korea in 1952-53. His active military service spanned almost 28 years during which he served in a variety of operational and staff assignments at numerous bases in the US, Europe and the Pacific. His final assignment was at US Air Force Headquarters, Washington, DC. He retired in 1970 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Following his active military service he was employed by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service holding numerous positions in engineering and management from 1970 to 1992. He retired from an executive management position at the Exchange Service World-Wide Headquarters, Dallas, TX in June 1992. He was honored at this retirement with The Meritorious Civilian Award.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Norma L. (Thaxton) Smith.

Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, along with the remains of his wife.

Survivors include a daughter, Sharma Yu of Hockessin, DE; granddaughter, Jaclyn Vanderpool of Ft. Hood; two great grandchildren, Vivian and James Vanderpool; a brother, Donald Smith of Charleston, W. VA; and a sister, Helene Smith of Wheeling, W.VA.

Words of comfort may be made to the family at www.crawfordbowerstemple.com