Clarence J. Smith

Dr. Clarence Jed “Smitty” Smith, 92, of Evansville passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the Linda E. White Hospice House. He was born December 6, 1925 in Ft. Branch, Indiana to the late Clarence and Fern (Judd) Smith.

Clarence was a Navy veteran of WWII, serving as an electronics technician. He graduated from Evansville Central High School in 1943, and attended Evansville College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948 and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1951 from Indiana University. He practiced dentistry in Evansville for 50 years with Dr. Robert Shellenberger. Clarence served as the president of the Evansville Dental Society and as president of the Indiana Academy of General Dentistry, receiving its Indiana Dentist of the Year award in 1980 and he was named First District Dental Society Honor Dentist in 2001. He was active in starting the Dental Hygiene program at Indiana State University – Evansville in 1970 and he served as an adjunct professor in that program from 1970-1976.

Always a community servant, Clarence was one of the four founding fathers of the Evansville Boys Club in 1954 and served on the Board of Directors for many years. He received the National Boys Club Medallion of Honor in 1967 and was presented with a Life Membership in 2002. In 2015, his dedication to the local club, earned him the honor of receiving the first ever 60 Years of Service to Youth Award from the National Boys and Girls Club.

Clarence was a charter member of the West Side Optimist Club serving as its president and on its board of directors until is dissolution in2014.

Clarence was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, starting as a choir boy in 1935 and later serving the church in many capacities. From his choir boy days, he maintained his interest in music by playing trumpet in the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, local dance bands, and the Evansville Symphonic Band.

Those who knew and loved Smitty will always remember his sweet and loving ways, his deep faith, and his dedication to family, church, and country. His good and caring nature and ready smile has left a lasting and cherished memory on the hearts of friends and family.

Clarence was preceded in death by high school sweetheart and wife, Bettye Blythe, wife, Viola Crunk, wife, Shirley Richardson, and beloved son, Gregory Smith.

He is survived by daughter, Julie Vetter (Joe); daughter-in-law, Joan Munoz; grandchildren, Andy Vetter (Katie), Alex Vetter, Jackie Smith, Cameron Smith (Dani), and great-grandchildren, Easton and Elise Vetter and Connor Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 301 SE First Street, officiated by Rev. Holly Rankin Zaher. Friends may visit Friday from 1:00 p.m. to service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evansville Boys and Girls Club or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.