Walter H. Smith

Mr. Walter H. Smith, age 95 of Gatesville, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2012 in Hamilton. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Mike Barron officiating. Burial will follow at the Smith Cemetery in Purmela. Mr. Smith was born on May 14, 1916 in Purmela, to the late R.J. (Jake) and Sallie Robinson Smith. He served in the U.S. Army in Company A, 180th Infantry, 45th Division. He served heroically in WWII and was one that landed on Omaha Beach, during which time all of the officers in his platoon were killed and he became the commanding officer at the age of 19. He was discharged in 1945 and was a Purple Heart recipient. After his discharge, he worked for the Railroad and retired from the Gatesville State School for Boys. He was very involved in his Church and his community, receiving numerous community awards and honors. He was a deacon of the White Hall Baptist Church, member of the Gatesville Exchange Club and Gatesville Lions Club, V.F.W. Post 8230, American Legion Chapter 74 and Disabled American Veterans. He married Bobbie Leonard on August 8, 1968. He enjoyed gardening and improving the lives of those around him. He was preceded in death by a son, Alfie Smith; brothers, Earnest, Roscoe, F.N. (Shorty), Laurence Smith and a sister, Antha Manning. He is survived by his wife Bobbie; son, Peter Smith; daughters, Sally Smith, Mary Smith; brother, Bill Smith and wife Peggy; one grandson, Brandon. Memorials may be made to the Smith Cemetery Association, c/o Glenda Dennison, 11135 FM 116, Gatesville, TX 76528.