Dec 8, 2012

Howard Stevenson Smith, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family Wednesday, December 5, 2012.

He was born in Burgettstown, a son of the late Charlotte Leng Smith and Harris Surls Smith

Mr. Smith was married May 4, 1946, to Gloria Ruth England of Amityville, N.Y.

His life exemplified devotion to family and friends, faith, joy, compassion, hard work and love.

Entering the U.S. Army December 8, 1941, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and proudly served his country through England, France, Belgium and Germany, until discharge December 5, 1945.

Engagement and marriage to Gloria followed his return home to the United States, as well as 41 years as conductor with the Pennsylvania and Penn Central railroads. Mr. Smith introduced his wife to farming, his second career, and raised award-winning registered Angus beef cattle on their farm near Atlasburg. He was a member and elder of Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, as well as a 75-year member of Cross Creek Village Grange.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Mr. Smith was the loving father of three daughters, Kathleen Susan Copeland (Kirk) of Greeneville, Tenn., Cheryl Leigh Stoddard (Richard) of Argenta, Ill., and Pamela Jane Potter (David) of Ashland, Ohio. He was proud to be the grandfather of seven and the great-grandfather, “Great Daddy,” of nine. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, all of his children, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Lee & Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Saturday, December 15, in Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, 1231 Cross Creek Road, Cross Creek, followed by interment in Cross Creek Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Smith’s name to Washington City Mission, Greater Washington County Food Bank or commodity donations to Burgettstown Area Food Pantry.