Lester Robert Smith

RADM Smith was born October 11, 1929 in San Francisco, California to Lester Blake Smith and Olive Lucille Smith (Thompson). His childhood was spent in Salt Lake City, Utah, but he returned to California for his teenage years and it was there that he joined the U.S Navy at the age of 17. He trained as a pilot and during the Korean War he flew in over 130 combat flights and was awarded (insert awards and medals – can be found on discharge papers) and assigned a flying role in the movie The Bridges at Toko-Ri. His flying career lead him to be one of 34 finalist in NASA's third astronaut program.

He attended Georgia Tech University and graduated with a Master’s in aeronautical engineering and had many successful career ventures including working at Chance Vought as chief project engineer for planes such as the F-8 Crusader. He was Director-Special ADP programs for LTV Aircraft Products Group. This program later became the B-2 Stealth bomber. He also oversaw program development as a vice president of Turbomeca Engine Corporation.

He retired from the Navy in 1987 after 39 years of service.

He was an active member in Dallas community and served as Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee for the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce; President of the Dallas Military Ball Corporation; Director of the Dallas Council of the Navy League and Greater Dallas Reserve Officer's Association. He was also an active Shriner and brother of the Masons at Lodge 760

RADM Smith is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Olive Smith, and his sister, Betty Smith. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carmen Smith, daughter Sherri Webster, grandchildren Christopher Neumeier and wife Meagan, Stephen Neumeier, and Ashley Pedini.

Services to honor RADM Smith are postponed at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be scheduled at a later date.