John Edward Smith

John E. (Jack) “Foo” Smith, age 87, formerly of Bradenville, PA, and later from Houston, Texas, was called to Heaven on June 20, 2021, surrounded by his family, after a valiant battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

He was born in Latrobe, PA on December 13, 1933. He was married for over 60 years to his beloved wife, Nancy Potts Smith.

Before marriage, Jack spent a four-year term in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Germany at Rhein-Main AFB during the Korean War as a med tech. He fell in love with Germany and was able to go back and visit the country and see his barracks several times. He especially enjoyed his German food!

Jack, (also lovingly referred to as Dad and Pappy), had a long-time career in the steel mill industry starting with Latrobe Steel. Throughout his career, his metallurgy expertise allowed for many opportunities including management positions in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA, Joplin, MO, and Houston, TX as well as PA. Jack continued to work after retirement running his catalytic converter business.

Jack’s love for his family came first, but baseball definitely came second. Renowned as an excellent catcher, Jack played ball for many years and for numerous organizations including the U.S. Air Force, VFW, American Legion, and St. Anthony’s Club. He even was scouted for the Kansas City Royals minor league baseball team.

Later, Jack took up golf and proved to be an excellent player and hit a hole in one in 1993. He played in many places, but his favorite was playing at St. Andrews Links in Scotland with his son, James.

Jack is preceded in death by his mother Mary McGinnis Smith Watkins; father Paul Emory Smith; brothers Harry and Charles Smith, and James Watkins; stepfather Chauncey Watkins; stepbrothers Jerry and Chauncey Watkins, Jr.; stepbrother-in-law Will Schweitzer; mother-in-law Ida Marie Garland; fathers-in-law James Potts and Paul Garland; sisters-in-law Ida Marie Falbo, Paula Jean Garland, and Kate Smith; son-in-law Richard Staudt; grandchild Bryn Owen; and niece Denise Smith.

Jack’s greatest Legacy is his family. He was extremely proud of and bragged quite often about all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Nancy; sisters Janet Latimer (James) and Linda Schweitzer; brothers Donald Smith (Janet) and Joseph Smith (Marcia); brothers-in-law William Falbo and Duke Potts (Martha); children Lorrie Kimble (Brad), Kristy Owen (John), Kelly Staudt (Mitch Daniels), Kerrie Shojaie, Dr. James Smith (Carey), and Brandon Smith (Stephanie); former son-in-law Mansour Shojaie; grandchildren Jeremy Crow (Lindsay), Zachary Crow (Jessica Robicheaux), and Taylor Kimble; Candyce Prince, Erica Bailey (PJ), Kaylee Bird (Simon) and Maxine Owen; Katherine and Rebecca Staudt; Danielle and Dominic Shojaie; Daria and Ryan Smith; Brooke, Natalie, and Zaden Smith; great-grandchildren Braden, Connor, Avery Beth, and Ella Kate Crow; Emery Ortiz and Brooke Bailey; Kyle and Jessica Bird; and Baby Bailey on the way. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Pappy would tell all his grandchildren that they were #1 in his book, and they all were. He loved the time he spent with them including spaghetti nights, Jeopardy! episodes, sporting events, traveling, and just spending time and sharing his stories. He was a friendly teaser and his sense of humor triumphed through all even when he was most ill.

Jack was a Roman Catholic and has made his peace with God. We know he is stepping up to the plate in Heaven.

On Thursday, July 1, 2021, a viewing will be held from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, with the Service from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm at the American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77038. A Military Committal Service will take place at 2:15 pm at the Houston National Cemetery at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77038, followed by a reception at the American Heritage Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Harbor Hospice, At Your Side Home Care, Bridge Solutions, and the Veteran’s Administration for their kind care.

In lieu of flowers, Jack wished for donations be sent to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association of Texas at https://www.pfassociation.org/.