Olen Curtis Smith Sr.

Olen “O.C.” Curtis Smith Sr. (81) was born on September 14, 1940, in San Angelo, Texas to Laurence Smith and Fannie Mae Smith. He passed on August 20, 2022, in Midland, Texas. He was a brother to the lovingly departed Walter Laurance Smith, Jessie Smith, James Smith, Madeleine Smith-Scott, Mary Louise Smith, and Charles Lester Smith.

Harold Don Smith of Rowlett, Texas, remains as the only living sibling.

Olen attended San Angelo Central High School and went to college at Angelo State University, formerly San Angelo College, majoring in Arts. During his college years, Olen was an avid photographer and went on to place in various competitions across the state. While his love for photography was strong, a different love found him in the form of Dorothy Jean Bennett in January of 1962, who he would later wed that same year on June 10.

Olen later became a father to Olen Curtis Smith Jr. (58) and Shurah Smith Norrell-Russell (53), and grandfather to Marcia Victoria Butler-Hemingway (31), Dorothy Nikole Smith (28), and Kingsley Bennett Norrell (13).

Olen and Dorothy recently celebrated their 60th anniversary on June 10, 2022.

From a young age, Olen was known for his hard work and ambition. When he was 11 years old, he worked as a newspaper carrier that garnered over 300 customers and used the money to buy his very first car. This transitioned into his future adoration for automobiles of all makes and models. Over the years, his vast collection of model cars and photos accumulated well into the hundreds.

True to his business sense, Olen and Dorothy opened their first grocery store in San Angelo, Texas, on June 11, 1962, to better assist their small-neighborhood community. After the success of the store, Olen and his family picked up and moved to Midland, Texas, where he spent the remainder of his years.

Olen dedicated 35 years as an Industrial Mechanic at General Tire & Rubber in Odessa, Texas, all the while channeling his entrepreneurial spirit to form Building & Home Maintenance in March 1970. His business was successful in securing contracts with major organizations including the Army Reserves, FAA Control Tower, Hobbs Trailer Company, and many others. He worked faithfully up until his retirement in 2013.

Though a busy man, he never forgot his original love for automobiles and continued his search for a classic 1957 Ford Fairlane. Post-retirement he continued to collect model cars, travel with his family, garden, and fuel his inner sportsman by cheering for the Dallas Cowboys.

As he was to his work and family, Olen was also dedicated to his country having served in the United States Marines Corps from 1962 to 1968.

Olen will always be remembered as a helpful and kind man who showed compassion to his family, friends, and the community around him. His love will continue to be passed on through the many lives he changed.

A public visitation for Olen will be held Friday, August 26, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home, 4616 N Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 2:30 PM at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellisfunerals.com for the Smith family.