Duane Allen Smith, age 90, of San Angelo, Texas died peacefully Friday, June 22, 2018 at Northern Oaks Living and Rehabilitation Center in Abilene, TX. He was born June 10, 1928 in Superior, Nebraska and Married Rose Mary Stockdale-Taylor on October 6, 1956 in Papillion, Ne.
He served for 23 years in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force from which he retired from active duty in 1968 and retired from the reserves in 1973. His service included stations in post-war Europe and stations in the Pacific theater during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was awarded many decorations during his service to our country including the Purple Heart.
He moved his family to San Angelo in 1966 and served out his active and reserve duty at Goodfellow Air Force Base. He and his family remained in San Angelo after his retirement.
Duane was a successful insurance salesman for many years after his military service and he made many lasting friendships through his work. As his health began to deteriorate, his activities began to wane. He then spent much of his time behind a typewriter trying to find that one, right novel. His health continued to deteriorate, caused by Peripheral Neuropathy and resulting in his need to spend his last years in care facilities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and LeRoy, His brother Elvin, his sisters Sharon, Shirley, and Winifred and his and Rose’s eldest daughter Coralie Miller. He is survived by his wife, Rose, and two children, daughter Collette and her husband Oscar, and son Kerry, and two brothers, Kenyard and Danny, and grandchildren Steven and his wife, Stephanie, Amy and her husband, Joey, Sara and her husband, Derek, and a passel of great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 29 from 6 to 8 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Services will be held Saturday at 10 AM at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens with full military honors.
The Family would like to thank the staffs of Northern Oaks Living and Rehabilitation Center and Kinder Hearts for the professional and loving care and attention they both provided so well for Duane during his final time and their caring attentions to his family after his passing.
