Saying Good-Bye to Papa Smith

     

     Eldon R. “Smitty” Smith, 81, went to be with the Lord on Friday morning, Oct. 11, 2013 in Pampa.

     Services will be at 10 a.m, Monday, Oct. 14, 2013 at Central Baptist Church, with Bro. Norman Rushing, pastor, and Rev. Rick Parnell, associate pastor, officiating. Entombment will follow at Memory Gardens Mausoleum under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

     Mr. Smith was born Sept. 27, 1932 in Erick, Okla. to Cecil Raymond and Mamie Hamilton Smith. He graduated from high school in Sweetwater, Okla. in 1951. He married Le Alta Anderson on Dec. 21, 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Texola, Okla.

Eldon had been a resident of Pampa since 1975. He worked for Skelly-Getty-Texaco (now Chevron), retiring after 26 years of service. He was a member of Central Baptist Church and served on the Board of Directors for Skel-Tex Credit Union for many years and volunteered at Pampa Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Aaron Smith, and a son-in-law, Bruce Johnson.

     “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Le Alta Smith of the home, three daughters, Debi Johnson of Mission, Kan., LeAnn Shelor and husband Greg of Minneola, Kan., and Kim Lancaster and husband Mike of Pampa, six grandsons and one granddaughter, Matt Shelor and wife Marsha of Minneola, Kan., Justin Shelor and wife Cody of Dodge City, Kan., James Johnson and wife Kendra of Salina, Kan., Todd Lancaster and wife Rachelle of Kyle, Kimberly Chang and husband Paul of Lenexa, Kan., Travis Lancaster and wife Lindsay of Plano, and Derrick Shelor of Manhattan, Kan., 11, and soon to be 12, great-grandchildren, a brother, Hoyt Smith of Amarillo, and a sister, Yvonne Moler and husband Joyce of Pampa.

     Papa Smith or Greatpa Smith was loved by all of us!  He always had a smile and hug ready every time we saw him.  We are so thankful we will see him again someday. 

    

All of Papa Smith's grandsons:  Todd Lancaster, Travis Lancaster, James Johnson, Matthew Shelor, Justin Shelor, Derrick Shelor and Grandma LeAlta Smith. The only granddaughter, Kimberly (Johnson) Chang was unable to attend because of her pregnancy.  Gracelyn Chang was born the next day in Kansas City.

All the great-grandkids at the funeral:  Michael Lancaster (Todd and Rachelle), Quenter Shelor, Mason Shelor, Marsha Shelor, Baily Shelor and Braegen Shelor.  Unable to attend:  Kaylee, Carter and Cooper Johnson (James & Kendra Johnson); and Blythe & Kinsley Lancaster (Travis & Lyndsay Lancaster).