Adan Smithwick

Adan Smithwick, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on June 1, 2025, to begin a new journey with Our Lord Jesus Christ. His passing was due to service-connected non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam.

Adan was born on March 23, 1946, to Sam Smithwick, Jr. and Eva Rangel. He grew up in Alice, Texas, where he spent his childhood playing baseball and later graduated from William Adams High School.

At just 18 years old, Adan enlisted in the United States Air Force. His service meant everything to him, and he proudly attained the rank of Sergeant. He began boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, followed by technical training at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, where he prepared for his specialized role in Vietnam.

As an Airman 2nd Class, he was stationed at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he spent nearly a year and fondly recalled it as the highlight of his service. In 1966, his entire wing was deployed to Vietnam, returning to the United States a year later. In January 1968, he received new orders and returned to Lackland AFB, only to be reassigned shortly thereafter to Osan Air Base in Korea. He was honorably discharged in July 1970.

Following his military service, Adan worked for nearly 20 years with Union Pacific Railroad. Sadly, a work-related injury brought his career to an early end. Despite this, he remained active—spending time with friends, playing golf and dominoes, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fan of golf and the Houston Astros and loved listening to his favorite heavy accordion Tejano music, as well as the songs that reminded him of his Vietnam days.

Adan is survived by his devoted and selfless wife, Estela Mayorga Smithwick of Corpus Christi; his daughter, Doreen Yvette Smithwick of Carrollton, TX; and his sister, Eva Waring of Hewitt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Smithwick, Jr. and Eva Rangel, and his brother, Sam Smithwick, III.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Adan’s American Legion Post 364:

PayPal: [email protected]

Checks can be mailed to:

American Legion Post 364

Care of: Jose Moreno, Commander

130 Walker Ave.

Portland, TX 78374