Vernon R. Smith

Vernon R. Smith age 84 of Clarion passed away at his home Friday, March 24, 2006. Vernon was born September 5, 1921 in Clarion to Ralph and Adeline Busse Smith. He graduated from Clarion High School in 1939. Vernon married Maxine Armour February 15, 1942 in Clarion at Maxine's parent's home. Vernon served as a Civil Flight Instructor as Enlisted Reserves for the Army Air Corps during WWII in Uvalde, Texas then managed the Dows Airport before returning to the family farm south of Clarion where he farmed the rest of his life. Vernon enjoyed golfing, reading, coin collecting and flying, he also traveled to Texas during the winters. He was a member of United Church of Christ Congregational, the Civil Air Patrol, the Masonic Lodge, Wright County Shriner Club and Shriners Mini Patrol. He is survived by his son Phillip R. Smith and wife Nancy of Clarion; a daughter Pamela Lansdell and husband Alan of Decatur, Alabama; four grandchildren: Tom and John Lansdell and Jennifer and Amy Smith; a sister Louella Jones of Houston, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Maxine on July 8, 1989, an infant daughter Judy Smith, a son Paul Smith, and a brother Leroy Smith.