Terry E. Smith

Terry E. Smith, 81, of Victoria, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2010, after a long battle with cancer. He was born September 19, 1928 in College Station, the son of Elmer G. and Sara Lull Smith. He graduated from A&M Consolidated High School at 16 years of age in 1945. He was a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts Education and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering. He served with the United States Army Reserve; he began his military career with the R.O.T.C. at Texas A&M and served with the U.S. Army Reserve until 1969, when he retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer IV. He was a professional engineer for 50 years and retired in January 1986 after many years of service with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. During his career with S.C.S. he trained many young engineers. He was awarded “Engineer of the Year” in 1984 by the Victoria chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. He was a life member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers; a member of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers; he served as a private consultant with the Jackson County Countywide Drainage District. He judged many high school science fairs. He loved old cars, motorcycles, planes and anything mechanical. He was an animal lover and loved taking care of the land and working with it. He was a member of the Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evolyn Davis Smith of Victoria; daughter Carol Salonek and husband Gene of Tomball; grandson Morgan Salonek of Victoria; sister Elizabeth McMahan-LeSure of Illinois and brothers Elmer W. Smith of Pocatello, Idaho and John B. Smith of Austin. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 7 until 9 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2010 at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2010, at Colonial Funeral Chapel with Reverend Jarrell Sharp officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria County Veterans Council.

Pallbearers include Morgan Salonek, SPC Michael Maeker, Wesley Davis, Bill Lancaster, Frank Hernandez and George Elmer. Honorary pallbearers include Richard Cosper, Ross Lovel and all employees, past and present, of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. He will be missed by his family and many friends.

Arrangements by Colonial Funeral Home 1801 E. Red River, Victoria, TX 361-578-3535.