On Monday, August 19, 2019, W. Amiel Smith, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away in his home at age 94. Amiel was born on September 24, 1924, in Clovis, NM, to Waldo Emerson Smith and Ollie (Jones) Smith. On October 22, 1949, he married Betty Jean Larkin. They raised 4 children Cynthia, Mark, Ollie and Amy. He served in the Navy in WWII from November 1942 - February 1946, as an Aviation Radio Man and Aerial Gunner, flying reconnaissance in the PBY Catalina in the South Pacific. He received the American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. After the war, he attended the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. He was employed by Colorado Interstate Gas Company as an electronic technician for 37 years.
Amiel was a member of St. Luke’s UMC, Highlands Ranch, CO, and American Legion Post #103. Amiel loved his family, friends, church and country. He had many friends and enjoyed life thoroughly. He was known for his musical abilities. He played the harmonica by ear and carried it with him ready for any opportunity to play. He sang in the church choir in Beaver, OK. He loved to dance. For those brave enough to keep step with him on the dance floor, he twirled them with great exuberance. He was a self taught man in many regards. He could repair or build most anything, including 2 homes. He loved camping, boating, and fishing and was a devoted sports fan. In his last days he continued to express his gratitude for life, saying “I’m happy” and “I love you”. We will miss you deeply, Daddy, but we know you’re celebrating in heaven, and you live in our hearts forever.
Amiel is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty Smith; son Mark Smith and wife Sandra, Tulsa, OK; daughters, Ollie Sumner and husband Brent, Highlands Ranch, CO; Amy Smith and husband John Winkel, Arvada, CO; 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a sister Rosetta, brother Robert, daughter Cynthia, and grandson Jeromy.
A time of visitation will be held Tuesday, August 27, from 5 - 8 pm at Olinger Chapel Hill, 6601 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121. Services will be held Wednesday, August 28, 10:30 am at St. Luke’s UMC, 8817 S Broadway, Littleton, CO 80129, followed by a reception, and the burial at 1:30 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236 - Staging Area “B”.
Memorial contributions may be made to All Veterans Honor Guard in care of Post Adjutant, P.O. Box 281, Littleton, Colorado, 80160, (or) St. Luke’s UMC, 8817 S Broadway, Littleton, CO 80129.
Amiel LOVED life!
