Richard Ashton Smith

Richard was born in Long Branch, New Jersey on March 11, 1935, to Marjorie and Reginald Smith. He graduated from Longview High School and later earned a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Dick married Gertrude ‘Trudy’ Veleba on December 26, 1959. They were married 64 years.

After training in the United States Air Force, Richard served 22 years in the Texas Air National Guard, based at Hensley Field, Grand Prairie. He concurrently worked as an aeronautical engineer for LTV, now known as Lockheed Martin Aircraft Corporation, for 29 years. Along with his love of flying fighter jets, he also enjoyed racing sailboats at Grapevine Lake on his Cape Dory 25. He loved spending free time with his family and friends on road trips, such as driving to New York, snow skiing in Colorado, duck hunting with his sons, and traveling to Europe. He enjoyed reading historical books, particularly books about wars and military strategy. He was involved in organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, Grapevine Sailing Club and Saint Luke Catholic Church. His F-86 Sabre Jet is on permanent display at the entrance of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Trudy Smith, and their five children; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Juli Smith of Grapevine; a son and daughter-in-law, Ashton and Jeanna Smith of Nashville, a daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Michael Gable of Colleyville; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Bruce Smith of Frisco; a daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Thomas Delanoy of Irving; a precious sister, Marjorie Kemp of Longview; eleven grandchildren, one great-grandson and a second great-grandchild due in May.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and his brother, Alan Smith.

Visitation and rosary will be held Friday, February 2 at 6:00 pm at Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Chapel, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas. Mass of Catholic burial will be held Saturday, February 3 at 1:00 pm at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 202 S. MacArthur Blvd., Irving with Father Richard Bezzegati presiding. An escort will then proceed to the burial at Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to Baylor Scott & White Hospital Irving Foundation at www.healthyirving.org or by calling 972-990-4390.

The family of Lt. Col. Smith wishes to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff of Baylor Scott & White Irving Hospital for their exemplary care and treatment over the years, and Saint Luke Catholic Church community for their love, music, and prayers. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Smith family.