Harold Ralph Smith
December 7, 1922 — October 6, 2004
Harold Ralph Smith, 81, of Central City, passed away Wednesday, October 06, 2004. Harold died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be held Friday, October 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Murdoch Funeral Home in Central City. Services will be performed by family friend Reverand William Harnish, Saturday, October 9, 2004, 10:30 a.m. also at Murdoch Funeral Home, Central City. Internment will follow the service at South Boulder Cemetery with military honors.
Harold was born December 7, 1922, in Luana, Iowa to Ralph Franklin Smith and Bertha Mae Rich Smith. As a life long resident of Central City, Harold graduated from Central City High School in 1940. He served in the Army during World War II in France, Belgium, and Luxemburg. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious service when he was injured at the Battle of the Bulge. Following his military service he graduated from Davis Radio and Television Vocational Technical School in Waterloo, Iowa. He married Elaine Ardath Lyons on October 16, 1947 in Cedar Rapids. They lived in Central City where they raised their children. Harold was owner and operator of Smith?s T.V. and Appliance in Central City for a number of years. He later was an Electronic Technician with A & H Appliance, Marion, Standard Appliance and Smulekoff?s in Cedar Rapids until 1969 when he retired. He spent the next several years volunteering at the Central City schools getting involved in the Sports Booster Club, Drama Club, and PTA. He was inducted into the National Thespian Society in 1971 with his daughter LaNeil in recognition of his volunteer work for the Drama Department. Harold was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post 421.
Harold is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine, and four daughters, Carla Barta (Ray), LaNeil McFadden (Bruce), Dedra Beauregard (Mark), and Jara Pavlis (Rick), all of Central City. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Damon (Darcy) Puckhaber; Ryan Barta; Nicole Gerjets; Ian McFadden; Brant and Brandon Beauregard; Alexandra, Madison, and Savannah Pavlis; three great-grandchildren: Jordenn and Abby Puckhaber; and Drake Braden; three step-grandchildren Sha, Chad and Piper McFadden. Also surviving are brothers Leo F. Smith of Central City; John A. Smith of Minnesota, and a sister Mildred Wagner of LeMars, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Shannon Puckhaber, and a brother, Harlan G. Smith.
Harold will be remembered as a fun loving, easy going, dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He dedicated his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. In his later years his grandchildren were the light of his day. We will all miss his quiet manner and the strength he gave us.
Military honors will be provided by Amvets Post No. 37 and American Legion Wapsi Post No. 421 of Central City.
A memorial fund has been established in Harold?s memory.
Harold was born December 7, 1922, in Luana, Iowa to Ralph Franklin Smith and Bertha Mae Rich Smith. As a life long resident of Central City, Harold graduated from Central City High School in 1940. He served in the Army during World War II in France, Belgium, and Luxemburg. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious service when he was injured at the Battle of the Bulge. Following his military service he graduated from Davis Radio and Television Vocational Technical School in Waterloo, Iowa. He married Elaine Ardath Lyons on October 16, 1947 in Cedar Rapids. They lived in Central City where they raised their children. Harold was owner and operator of Smith?s T.V. and Appliance in Central City for a number of years. He later was an Electronic Technician with A & H Appliance, Marion, Standard Appliance and Smulekoff?s in Cedar Rapids until 1969 when he retired. He spent the next several years volunteering at the Central City schools getting involved in the Sports Booster Club, Drama Club, and PTA. He was inducted into the National Thespian Society in 1971 with his daughter LaNeil in recognition of his volunteer work for the Drama Department. Harold was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post 421.
Harold is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine, and four daughters, Carla Barta (Ray), LaNeil McFadden (Bruce), Dedra Beauregard (Mark), and Jara Pavlis (Rick), all of Central City. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Damon (Darcy) Puckhaber; Ryan Barta; Nicole Gerjets; Ian McFadden; Brant and Brandon Beauregard; Alexandra, Madison, and Savannah Pavlis; three great-grandchildren: Jordenn and Abby Puckhaber; and Drake Braden; three step-grandchildren Sha, Chad and Piper McFadden. Also surviving are brothers Leo F. Smith of Central City; John A. Smith of Minnesota, and a sister Mildred Wagner of LeMars, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Shannon Puckhaber, and a brother, Harlan G. Smith.
Harold will be remembered as a fun loving, easy going, dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He dedicated his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. In his later years his grandchildren were the light of his day. We will all miss his quiet manner and the strength he gave us.
Military honors will be provided by Amvets Post No. 37 and American Legion Wapsi Post No. 421 of Central City.
A memorial fund has been established in Harold?s memory.
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