Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Howard McKinley Smith, 80, of Ashland, peacefully passed away Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in VA Medical Center in Huntington, W.Va.
Mr. Smith was born Feb. 1, 1937, in Dunleary in Pike County, a son of the late Parley Euclair and Sada Marie Ratliff Smith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers; and six sisters.
Mr. Smith retired after serving 21 years with the USAF and was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. He also retired from Occidental Petroleum in Baltimore, Md., and was a member and served proudly with VFW Honor Guard Post 8850 in Ironton, Ohio.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Russell. He served as branch President in Portsmouth, Ohio and as High Counselor in the Annapolis, Md. Stake. He also served in many leadership positions as clerk, Sunday School President and counselor of the Young Men's Presidency and many other positions.
He was a graduate of Boyd County High School Class of 1955. He attended Shawnee State University, University of Maryland, Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School, Ground Radio Communication School, Communications-Electronics Instructor School and Advanced Communications Electronics Supervisory Training.
He was rated Master Instructor in basic and advanced communication and electronics. He was a course writer in communications and electronics including course planning and outline, writing and evaluating text, workbooks and course testing material.
He was a member of Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow, a past scout master, life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. He was involved in community service and volunteered at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital and at VA Medical Center in Huntington. He was also a Kentucky colonel.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Madeline Moore Smith of Ashland; a son, Andrew Howard Smith and wife Ann of Thornville, Ohio; a daughter, Tina Marie McGuire and husband Robert of Greenup; two sisters, Betty Jo Nielsen of Louisville and Deanna Smith Phillips and husband James of Grayson; and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Russell with Bishop Benjamin Hurt officiating. Burial will be in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East with full military rites.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
