Howard Allen Smith went to be with the Lord Thursday, June 26, 2014. His final days were spent surrounded by loved ones. He was 89. Graveside services will take place at 2:oo p.m., Wednesday July 2, 2014 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lacey, Washington.

Howard was born January 1, 1925 in San Diego, California to Wilbur and Vera (Moore) Smith. He and his mom were celebrated since he was the first baby born in San Diego County that year. He was one of nine children and spent his childhood helping out on the family dairy. When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the Army and served in Europe as a paratrooper and demolition expert with the 327th Engineer Battalion. Although he served with honor and distinction, receiving both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, he never liked to talk about the war.

After returning home, he became a plumber and pipe fitter, a trade he worked at for over 40 years. Howard owned his own plumbing business, and later worked for both Peter Kiewit and Bechtel.

In 1957, he met Juanita June Matthey through mutual friends and they were married on August 31, 1957. Howard’s work in the construction industry required several moves so the young couple lived all over the United States: California, New York, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and finally, Washington. Because of his extraordinary work ethic, he was usually promoted to foreman shortly after hiring on.   The added responsibilities required long work hours.  But, in his limited free time, he enjoyed fishing of any kind.  In the summer of 1963, he reeled in what was then, the largest halibut caught in Morro Bay, California.

Howard built several houses for his family, doing most if not all of the work himself.  In addition to building and fishing, he loved to watch sports, especially football with his youngest daughter, Laurie.  Howard was one of the early Seahawks season ticket holders.

Howard retired in 1985.  He and June purchased a truck and RV and spent the next three years traveling all over the U.S.  They also cruised to Alaska and the Caribbean.  In 2009, their grandsons took them on a Hawaiian vacation with other family members.  They got to see Humpback whales close up, an amazing highlight of that trip.  In addition to traveling, Howard became an avid reader in his retirement.  He especially enjoyed studying American history.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, June, his parents, and eight of his siblings.  He is survived by two daughters, Beverly (Robert) Giannetti of Puyallup, WA, and Laurie (Kraig) Penrod of Snohomish, WA; five grandchildren, Brian (Angie), Kevin, Cameron, Kellen and Serina, and one great grandson, Kyle; June’s sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Richard LeMaster of Clarkston, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews.  The family wishes to thank the Franciscan Hospice in Tacoma, WA, for the wonderful, loving care they provided for Howard and his family.  The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.