Joseph Johnson Smith Jr.

Longtime El Paso resident Joe J. Smith, Jr. passed away Tuesday December 13, 2011 at the age of 86. He was born in Ft. Worth, Texas and raised in Sweetwater, Texas. At the age of 19, he joined the Marines and in 1944 served in the South Pacific during the battle of Pelelieu. After WWII war, Joe graduated from Texas Tech on the GI Bill and began working for Hughes Tool Company in the oilfields of New Mexico. He later went to work for Equitable Life Insurance Company, where he spent the remainder of his career, retiring in 1994. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane to whom he was married for 50 years. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Jay Smith and Erin McKinney of Villa Grande, California and Charles Smith and Sherry Pillow Smith of Austin, Texas and his grandchildren Jarrad and Megan Smith. Joe was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as an elder to the congregation. Joe was also active in the El Paso masonic community. A 32nd degree Mason, Joe served as an advisor to the DeMolay organization and in 1973 was awarded the Legion of Honor designation, the highest honor bestowed on former DeMolays who become masonic advisors. As a member of the El Maida Shrine Temple, he performed in the shrine band and was elected president of the band in 1978. In his latter years, he was blessed to have loving caretakers Mayela Campos and Jorge Lopez by his side, and for this the family is grateful. Graveside Service will be held on Thursday December 22, 2011 at 9:30 am at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. A Marine Honor guard will be on hand to recognize his service to our country. A Memorial Service will follow at the First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison Drive at 11:00 am with a reception to follow. The family appreciates donations to the American Cancer Society or the Shriners Hospitals for Children, in lieu of flowers. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com