Thomas H. Smith, 87 of Bellwood died Saturday afternoon, June 21, 2008 at James E. Van Zandt Medical Center, Altoona.
He was born September 30, 1920 in Youngwood, a son of the late Maurice and Marie L. (Hafer) Smith. He married Loriene R. Knepp on June 11, 1949 at EUB Church, Liverpool, Pennsylvania.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years; two brothers: Earle E. of Grandview, Altoona and Albert F. of Bellmeade, formerly of Altoona; two sisters: Connie L. Pike of Philipsburg and Marjorie A. Forsht of Grandview, Altoona; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Smith retired in 1982 as an electrician at Conrail with 38 years of service.
He was a 1938 graduate of Antis Township High School and also attended Penn State University.
Mr. Smith was an Army veteran of World War II with the rank of Captain assigned to the 8th Air Force 18th Squadron 34th Bomb Group as a Navigator/Observer in the European Theater. He flew 29 combat missions against strategic targets in Germany.
He was shot down as a result of enemy flak on September 28, 1944 and was held as a prisoner of war until liberated by American troops on April 29, 1945. He was awarded the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters ,a Purple Heart, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Medal with 4 stars.
Mr. Smith was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Antis Township.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public viewing, visitation or funeral service .
A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Interment at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood.
Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Bellwood.
