Quentin R. Smith Sr.

Quentin R. Smith died peacefully surrounded by family members on May 17, 2015. The son of Roy and Roxie Smith, Quentin was born in Holdenville, OK on May 12, 1923. He is preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Josephine Porter Smith, sons Roy (Butch) and Timothy Smith, and his sister Norma Jean Bruno. He is survived by his daughter, Roxie Jo Silverstein and husband Steve; son, Quentin R. Smith Jr. and wife Linda; daughter, Venna Ree Smith; and son, Joseph Victor Smith and wife Lisa. In addition, Quentin had 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren which he loved dearly, and 12 nieces and nephews. All of Quentin’s 36 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are proud members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Quentin attended the University of Virginia for three years before graduating from Oklahoma City University. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served with honor for two years. He then returned to Oklahoma and met is bride to be Josephine. They remained married until her death in 1996.

Following their marriage, Quentin and Josephine relocated to Tahlequah, OK to run the family general store on Lake Tenkiller. In the late 1960’s, Quentin founded the Cherokee Indian Development Corporation (CIDC), a company which manufactured and rehabilitated aviation equipment, and was dedicated to further developing and employing the Native American community. In addition to building CIDC, Quentin focused on commercial and residential real estate, owning and managing properties throughout the state, including a 456 acre ranch on the Illinois River.

Upon his retirement, Quentin moved to Oklahoma City, where he remained until his death.

A lover of boxing, Quentin coached boxers of all levels including his sons in Tahlequah, and remained an avid fan throughout his life. Quentin was a 32nd degree Mason and member of India Shriner of Oklahoma City for over 60 years. In addition, Quentin was a great consumer of current events and news, loving to debate politics with his friends and family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 2pm at the Reed-Culver Funeral Home in Tahlequah, OK with Pastor DJ McCarter officiating. Interment will follow at Tahlequah City Cemetery. Pallbearers include Matthew Silverstein, Jackson Smith, Jerrod Smith, Jeremy Sanders, Bradley Sanders, and Sam McLemore. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Quentin’s honor to The Choctaw Foundation (PO Box 1849, Durant, OK 74702; www.chahtafoundation.com; all contributions will be matched by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) or Cherokee Nation support program, War Pony (21828 N. Ben George Road, Tahlequah, OK 74464).