Ralph Eugene Smith
April 26, 1922 — Jan. 28, 2011
OLATHE — Ralph Eugene Smith, age 88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Friday morning, Jan. 28, 2011, at the Colorow Care Center with his family by his side.
Ralph was born April 26, 1922, in Lewiston, Neb. to Noah Walter and Kathrine (Ratliff) Smith. Ralph spent his childhood, attended school and graduated from high school in Bird City, Kan.
Ralph enlisted with the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was asked to train as a gunner due to his excellent marksmanship. After this training, he became a tail gunner on B-24's , later moving to the nose turret during World War II. He received the Air Medal and distinguished Flying Cross for extra-ordinary achievement by participating in combat missions totaling more than 200 hours during his three year deployment, during which exposure to enemy fire was probable and expected. By diligent attention to duty and superior execution of his assignment as a member of a combat team in heavy bombardment aircraft, he contributed much to the success of many missions.
In addition, he received the AF Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service medal, Presidential Unit Citation, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, AF Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon, and AF Good Conduct Medal in an Air Force career spanning 22 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant.
Ralph's integrity and attention to detail led him to excel as supervisor at Coca-Cola Bottling, Inventory Warehouse positions during his military career and warehouse management at Burstian-Applebee Electronics.
On June 29, 1943, Ralph was united in marriage with Leone Mildred Headrick in Salinas, Calif. Ralph and Leone celebrated 37 years of marriage before her death on June 4, 1980, in Denver, Colo. Ralph then married Margaret Phillips on Feb. 7, 1981, in Littleton, Colo. Ralph and Marge enjoyed 27 years of marriage before her death on June 23, 2008, in Montrose, Colo.
Ralph never knew a stranger; he loved to visit with everyone. Ralph was also an avid fisherman; he loved to hunt and had a passion for airplanes. He also enjoyed woodworking and loved gardening. He was also a proud and upstanding member of the local VFW. Ralph was a man of strong character.
Ralph is survived by his sons, Rodney (Linda) Smith of Arvada, Colo., Ronald Smith of Aurora, Colo.; as well as his daughter, Michelle "Mickey" (Philip) Plumb of Montrose, Colo. Ralph is also survived by his brother, Guy Smith of Loveland, Colo.; and his sisters, Lucille Quinn and Bernice Stacy, both of Englewood, Colo. Ralph is also survived by his grandchildren, Susan (Tim) Baker of Broomfield, Colo., Melissa (Chris) Brown of Arvada, Colo., Kelly (Roy) Eckherdt of Powell, Wyo., Ryan (Loretta) Smith of Aurora, Colo., Jeff (Kindra) Plumb of Haxtun, Colo., Lisa (Larry) Franks of Olathe, Colo., as well as eight beloved and treasured great-grandchildren.
Ralph is preceded in death by both Leone and Marge; his parents; his son, Gregory Eldon; as well as his brothers Bill, Leonard, Donald; and one daughter-in-law, Terrie Smith.
A full military graveside service to honor Ralph will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colo. Ralph will be laid to rest next to his wife, Leone, and his son, Gregory Eldon. Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1976 and is now in the presence of the Lord.
Memorial contributions, in loving memory of Ralph, may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, PO Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
