Elmer Smith

Elmer Lowell Smith, 97, passed away Monday, September 4, 2017.

Funeral service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Fritch with Pastor Jerry Don Cheshire officiating. Services are under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Fritch. Burial will be held 2 pm on Friday, September 8, 2017 in Sweetwater Cemetery in Sweetwater, Texas under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at the funeral home in Fritch. In lieu of flowers his memory may be honored with a gift to the First United Methodist Church of Fritch or to a charity of choice.

Elmer was born October 21, 1919 in Wynono, Oklahoma to Nellie Gertrude and Burl Henry Smith. He graduated from High School in Hominy, Oklahoma in 1939. Elmer had been a resident of Fritch for over 65 years. He was a member of Fritch First United Methodist Church. Elmer retired from Phillips Petroleum after working for 35 years.

He joined the Army Signal Air Corps on September 16, 1940. in 1943 he transferred to the Army Air Corps. A TP-51C Mustang pilot, Elmer flew the Mustang in 63 missions over Germany and Holland as part of the 352nd airborne including 10 hours on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He left the service in September, 1945 as a first lieutenant. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters, and Eastern European Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars. Elmer served in the Army Air Corps Reserves until 1979, retiring as Major.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Mary Katherine Smith in September 2016 after 71 years of marriage.

He is survived by 17 nieces and nephews and four dedicated and loving caregivers.

Visitation

MintonChatwell Funeral Directors
Broadway at Canadian
Fritch, TX  79036
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
5-7 pm

Service

First United Methodist Church of Fritch
403 South Cornell
Fritch, TX  79036
Thursday, September 7, 2017
10 am

Cemetery

Sweetwater Cemetery 2 pm on Friday
Sweetwater, TX

Memorial Contributions

First United Methodist Church of Fritch
403 South Cornell
Fritch, TX  79036

Charity of Choice