Howard McKinley Smith

Retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant Howard McKinley Smith, 80, of Ashland, peacefully passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the VA Medical Center in Huntington, WV. Mr. Smith was born February 1, 1937 in Dunleary, Pike County, KY, a son of the late Parley Euclair and Sada Marie Ratliff Smith. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by five brothers and six sisters.

Mr. Smith retired after serving 21 years with the USAF and was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict. He also retired from Occidental Petroleum in Baltimore, MD and was a member and served proudly with the VFW Honor Guard, Post 8850, Ironton, OH.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Russell, KY. He served as branch President in Portsmouth, OH and as High Counselor in the Annapolis, MD Stake. He also served in many leadership positions as clerk, Sunday School President and counselor of the Young Men’s Presidency and many other positions.

He was a graduate of Boyd County High School Class of 1955. He attended Shawnee State University, University of Maryland, Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School, Ground Radio Communication School, Communications-Electronics Instructor School and Advanced Communications Electronics Supervisory Training.

He was rated Master Instructor in basic and advanced communication and electronics. He was also a course writer in communications and electronics including course planning and outline, writing and evaluating text, workbooks and course testing material.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow, a past scout master, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. He was involved in community service and volunteered at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital and at the VA Medical Center in Huntington. He was also a KY Colonel.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years Madeline Moore Smith of Ashland, son Andrew Howard Smith and wife Ann of Thornville, OH, daughter Tina Marie McGuire and husband Robert of Greenup, sisters Betty Jo Nielsen of Louisville, KY, Deanna Smith Phillips and husband James of Grayson and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services to honor Mr. Smith will be held 11:00am Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Russell, KY. Bishop Benjamin Hurt will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East.

Visitation will be Monday evening from 6-8pm at the Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel and Tuesday from 10am till 11am at the church.

Online condolence to www.steenfuneralhome.com

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