Dr. Howard L. Smith

The family mourns the passing of Doctor Howard Smith on 18 July 2016 at the age of 92. He was born in Elkhart, Indiana to Emma “Bessie” Hogue and Howard W. Smith on 30 Sept 1923. A “viewing” will be held at the Anderson Bethany Funeral Home [2609 S.E. Main in Roswell, New Mexico] from 1pm to 8pm on Thursday 21 July 2016 with the funeral service conducted at the same location at 2pm on Friday the 22nd of July 2016 followed by internment in the Smith family section of the “South Park” cemetery in Roswell, New Mexico at 3pm. While hunting was his passion, bird hunting with his dog “Duke of Hondo” in particular, he earned the respect of many in both the community at large as well as of the Medical profession and those of his medical colleges as well. On the one hand, he was personally very involved in the community through many civic-actions with and for the civic-club “Sertoma” ranging from parking cars during the Eastern New Mexico State Fair to being the clubs president on several occasions. He also served the city as an elected city councilman –where he most notably, but not his only contribution, transitioned Walker AFB’s closing to becoming a part of the city resulting in one of the streets being named in his honor as well as being the individual who named Roswell’s new airport for the city as: “R.I.A.C.” (or the: “Roswell Industrial Air Center”). He also was named a “Kentucky Colonel” for his extraordinary civic accomplishments. Additionally, he particularly treasured his service, as documented in several newspaper articles during his multi-year presidency of the local symphony guild including hosting several musicians in the family home in the early and formative stages of the Roswell symphony. Medically, he received many certifications and honors reflecting unusual personal knowledge as well as superior competence as a Doctor of medicine. For instance, he was voted Chief-of-Staff by his peers at both hospitals in Roswell (at that time: both the Eastern New Mexico Medical Center and Saint Mary’s)—4 to 5 times at the ENMMC and 3 or 4 times at Saint Mary’s. Additionally, his office was literally plastered floor to ceiling with certificates of meritorious achievements and/or letters of testaments such as specialized medical training & accomplishments and various board certifications. He also served the State government as appointed by the Governor to the State Board of Medical Examiners. He delivered over 10K babies over a 44-year career in the Roswell area…EVERY time we went anywhere I remember him being beseeched by people saying they had several children and that he had delivered each and every one of them. His most enduring legacy has to be that he was truly liked and appreciated by many, many people in Roswell. A special tribute is owed to Bill and Shirley Macintosh as well as Mona, Melissa and Lucy who truly dedicated a lot of time and ‘above & beyond’ effort in caring and helping Dr. Smith when he no longer could help himself…as well as even more importantly acknowledging the great effort and tireless dedication, even personal financial commitment and dedication to his welfare by Bill and Shirley Macintosh who cared for him very deeply indeed even though they are not directly related to Dr. Smith…just VERY good friends all of which helped a great deal, when help was needed and much appreciated. Lastly, as the family expects many people reading this would like assume a more specialized role in the funeral as honorary pallbearers; yet, they know not everyone who should be accorded that opportunity. Please, do not hesitate to call either (682) 225-1518 or (760) 835-1840 if interested in expressing such a specialized and honored presence at the funeral service. He is survived by three Sons, and a Daughter (all from a prior marriage to Rosemary Penny (Price) Smith who predeceased him and many, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, in-laws and even great-grandchildren. His current wife, Ms. Norma (Cox) (Glover) Smith, also predeceased him…they worry they will not be able to find one another in heaven. Their greatest treasure of late was their life together and with their precious dog “Spike.” He will be interred beside his Mother, Father and sister (Ms. Christiana Hogue (Smith) Graham] all of whom predeceased him. Please take a moment to share your love and support for the Smith family, in memory of Howard, in the online register at andersonbethany.com. Services are under the direction of Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Dr. Howard L. Smith

September 30, 1923 - July 18, 2016