Earle Makeig Smith

Earle M. Smith, 92, beloved father, father-in-law and grandfather, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2014, in Katy, Texas. Earle was born in Waco, Texas, on November 4, 1921, to Earle L. and Marguerite Smith. As a child, he lived in Waco, Texarkana, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana, where he graduated from Byrd High. He served in Europe during World War II with the 39th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, 9th Air Force of the Army Air Corps. He graduated from Lousiana Tech University, in 1947, with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Earle worked for Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation (now Spectra Energy) until his retirement in November 1985. Earle enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and spending time with his family. He lived happily at Carriage Inn Retirement Home, in Katy, for the last four years.

Earle is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Jane Heath Smith; and a sister, Marie Anne Osborne. He is survived by sons, Travis S. Smith and wife, Donna, of Slidell, Louisiana, and Shelby W. Smith and wife, Susannah, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; daguhters, Marla Smith Kanakidis and husband, Pete, of Sugar Land, Texas, and Monica Smith Mandel and husband, Morty, of Katy, Texas. Earle is also survived by nine grandchildren: Travis Smith, Jr., Casey Smith Basso and husband, Blake, Eric Smith, Caroline Smith, Evan Kanakidis, Colton Mandel, Jacob Kanakidis, Matthew Kanakidis and Cade Mandel; nephew, Hoyle M. Osborne, of Aztec, New Mexico; and several cousins and many friends.

The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, between the hours of 6:00-8:00PM. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at 10:00AM, in the Chapel of Katy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amercian Heart Association or to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of his wife.