Jack Smith Sr.

Jack Morris Smith Sr., of Burnet, TX, went home to be with Jesus on May 23, 2012 at the age of 78. A retired Computer Analyst with the US Dept. of Defense, he was born to Morris and Carleta Smith on December 29th, 1933 in Lytle, TX. He grew up in Pharr, TX where his parents were teachers.

After high school and two years of college, he served four years in the US Air Force. He returned to Southwest Texas State University, where he met and married Delores Touchstone. After graduating from SWTSU in 1960 with a degree in mathematics, he taught math and physics for six years in Kingsville and Louise, TX. He then joined the Dept. of Defense at Brooks Medical Aero-Space in San Antonio, TX.

This led to a successful twenty year career, and fulfillment of his childhood dream, working at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. During that time he raised three children and served as a counselor for the Royal Ambassadors at Skyline Baptist Church in El Paso, TX.

After retiring from White Sands in 1998, he and Delores moved to Burnet, TX where he enjoyed spending time with his seven grandchildren and numerous friends from his community. While in Burnet he volunteered and participated in various organizations. He was a firefighter with the East Lake Buchanan Fire Dept. He served as a vice president of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association for two years and was on the board of the Council Creek Village POA. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Burnet, the Burnet and Lytle Masonic lodges, (as a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason), and the Burnet Eastern Star. An avid Doane postal cancel collector, he contributed several articles to La Posta: A Journal of American Postal History.

Known for his dry wit and sense of humor, he could always be counted on for a wry comment. Jack enjoyed sharing stories, including tales about deer hunting and his many adventures hitchhiking around Texas in his younger years. He loved attending reunions and reconnecting with his students and classmates from Louise and Pharr, TX. Weekly fellowship with the First Baptist ROMEO’s (Real Old Men Eating Out) was a highlight of his week.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, M.R. “Jumbo” and Carleta “Polly” Smith, daughter Sharon Smith and granddaughter Heather Teague. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Delores; his sister Ann and husband Wally Pape; brother-in-law Thomas Touchstone and wife Laverne; his children Jack M. Smith II and wife Lexie; Sandra Geach and husband Pete; his grandchildren Robert Teague, Kelsie Teague, Aaron Smith, Alexa Smith, Emily Smith, Kara Smith and Mia Smith, and a whole slew of cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family gives special thanks to the medical care providers at Scott and White, Seton Medical Center, Dr. Murray’s office, Dr. Resnick’s office, Dr. Patteson’s office, Hill Country Health, and Medical House Call Associates; friends from First Baptist Church and Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the First Baptist Church, Burnet, TX.

Memorial Services will be held May 29th at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Burnet. Visitation will be held after the services in the fellowship hall at the church. A Masonic burial will be held at Lytle, TX at a later date. Friends and family may visit www.clementswilcoxburnet.com to sign a guest register.

Arrangements made by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home Burnet, Texas