Smith, Howard C. Jr.

Howard C. Smith Jr., 72, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, March 18, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital after a short illness. Services at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Emory Gillespie will officiate. Entombment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; three sons, Jeff (Missy) of La Porte City, Jason (Noelia) of Edinburg, Texas and Chris (Kelly) of Dubuque; and a sister, Judy (Joe) Russell of Boone.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, Ashley, Chloe, Olivia, Corey and Dillon; and his pet cat, Charley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wayne; and a sister, Helen.

Howard was born Feb. 17, 1941, in Decorah, the son of Howard and Opal Atkinson Smith Sr. He married Linda D. Sturbaum on Aug. 15, 1965, in Cedar Rapids. Howard was a sheet metal worker and worked through Local 263 for over 25 years, retiring in 2005. He was the assistant district commissioner of the Hawkeye Area Boy Scouts, a Monroe Township trustee and attended Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Howard was an avid reader. He enjoyed military history especially World War II, traveling and the time he spent with his beloved family and many friends. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

“The family would like to thank Dr. Ghosh, Dr. Cowden and the staff at St. Lukes 5 Center for their compassionate care.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Please leave a message to Howard's family on the Web page, under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette March 19, 2013.