Lawrence Abner Smith Sr.

Lawrence Abner Smith, Sr. was born on January 16, 1921 to Abner Dee Smith and Laura L. Smith in New Mexico. He married the love of his life, Judith Evellynn Roberson, on December 22, 1942. They were married 75 years, until she preceded him in death on February 25, 2018. Together, they had 9 children, 27 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

From humble origins as an open range cowboy on a cattle and sheep ranch, Lawrence pursued his education through Ft. Sumner schools and New Mexico State University, served in the U.S. Navy and ended a 39 year career with McDonnell Douglas Corporation as Vice President, Aircraft Engineering MCAIR division.

Lawrence had a storied career with McDonnell Douglas. Of the many programs he supported, he felt his leadership in engineering the wing design of the F-4 Phantom II and his critical guidance as engineering director in the design, development and production of the AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marines were his greatest accomplishments. He was an AIAA Associate Fellow and received the AIAA Aircraft Design Award, AIAA Technical Management Award, Paul E. Hauefer Memorial Award for Aircraft Engineering, New Mexico State University Centennial Distinguished Alumni, and was inducted into the 1994/1995 class of Who’s Who of Science and Engineering.

Lawrence was proceed in death by his parents; wife; sister, Virginia Bessom; daughter, Rena Susan Watts; and grandson, Gregory Daniel Smith. Lawrence is survived by sons Lawrence A. Smith, Jr. and wife Mary; Ronald E. Smith and wife Sheilah; Samuel L. Smith and wife Janet; Kenneth D. Smith; David F. Smith and wife Crystal; Daniel F. Smith and wife Susan; Randall L. Smith and wife Marsha; and daughter, Laura Ann Karmi and husband Robert.

A visitation for Lawrence will be held Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Alexander - White - Mullen Funeral Home, 11101 Saint Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074 followed by a graveside service at 1 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, 11101 St Charles Rock Rd., St. Ann, MO 63074.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.alexanderstlouis.com for the Smith family and memorials may be made to the New Mexico State University School of Engineering.