Dwight O. Smith
January 27, 1930 - April 23, 2011

Dwight O. Smith, 81, of Ingalls, passed away Saturday April 23, 2011. He was born January 27, 1930 in Athens, OH to the late William and Roberta Smith.

Dwight attended grade school, junior high, high school, and trade school in Ohio. Mr. Smith enlisted in the U.S Army in 1947 at the age of 17. He was honorably discharged in 1949, re-enlisted in the same year and completed 7 additional years of service in the U.S Army, earned his high school equivalency, Associates and Bachelors degrees from the U.S. Armed Forces Institute and the University of Wisconsin at Madison respectively.

He joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Dayton Ohio in 1956 and died a lifetime member. During this membership, Dwight served in a variety of leadership positions, both local and national, including Post 6904 Commander, Post & State Quartermaster, and long-time State Coordinator of the Voice of Democracy program.

Dwight's strong commitments to his country, the military, and to fellow veterans were extraordinarily influential in his life. His service, advocacy, and dedication were as great as any man has to offer. Dwight's career experiences include service at the U.S Pentagon, Senior Instructor at the General's School - Ft. Harrison, Indiana; Administrative/Management work with the United States Air Force; Design & Instruction with Naval Avionics; and Consulting for the State of Indiana. He retired as a Business Manager of the VFW Post 6904 in Fortville, IN after 15+ years. He was also a member of the Fortville American Legion Post 391.

Dwight is survived by children: Sue Radford and Terri Mullins, both of OH; Dwight O. Smith, Jr.; Cindy Lanham; Christy Rhea; Holly Smith; and Gina Woodward, all of IN; sister Carol Ann Reed and 12 grandchildren. He loved his family dearly and was loved by them as well. Preceding him in death were his wife of 44 years, Jenny Lea (Raymer) Smith, and four siblings.

A visitation celebrating Dwight's life will be held Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Seals Funeral Home, Fortville from 3-7 pm. Entombment will be on Sunday May 1, 2011 at 2 pm at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Madison, IN, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 361370, Indpls., IN 46236.