Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith, was born in Merryville, Louisiana on March 30, 1932 to the late Evie Allen Smith and late Perkins Smith. He was the youngest of 7 children; Earl Smith, Rayfield Smith, Jule Smith, Judge Smith, Elzera Smith, and Herman Smith, all of which have preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Smith (née Denton) in 1961. The marriage endured for 52 beautiful years and their union was blessed with three children, Thomas, Tracy (deceased), and Candy Smith. Thomas enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at an early age where he served for 27 years. He was a proudly decorated Marine having deployed on multiple occasions to both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1973, Thomas retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of Sergeant Major, E-9. During the course of his military career, he received many distinguished awards and medals: National Defense Service Medal (W/1), Rifle Sharpshooter, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (W/3), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Good Conduct Medal (W/7). Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, he began his career with the State of Kansas. Thomas enjoyed more than 20 years of employment with the State of Kansas until his retirement. Throughout life and following retirement, he enjoyed being outdoors, passing time as a hunter, fisherman, amateur mechanic, or proudly tending to his manicured lawn. He read volumes of books and was an avid sports fan. To know Thomas was to remember him, and without a doubt he left a strong impression on anyone he encountered. He had a charming personality and possessed a kind-hearted and gentle spirit. Many adored his vibrant personality and infectious wit. He remains abundantly loved and will be truly missed by all who knew him and cherished the gift of having him in their lives. Thomas' determined spirit will live on in the lives of those whom he touched. He leaves to cherish fond memories: his loving and devoted wife, Elizabeth Smith of Longview, Texas; one son, Thomas Smith of Grosse Pointe, Michigan; one daughter, Candy Smith of Houston, Texas; one son-in-law, Harry Low; nieces and nephews, Ernestine Vercher, Dorothy Johnson, Shelton Smith, Sheila Palmer and Roger Roxie; extended family Christopher and Akhuini Ihionkhan; and a host of other family and friends who loved him unconditionally.