Howard Carlson Smith

Howard Carlson Smith passed away May 18, 2013. He was born in Upland, Nebraska where he attended the one room Hilltop School and Upland High School. He graduated from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska in 1941. He married Kathryn Lucile Ely in 1944. After his military service Howard and Lucile lived in Belleville, Illinois before moving to Gulfport.
Howard and Lucile were charter members of Westminster Presbyterian Church. They were active in the church activities and helped start a mission church in Orange Grove. Howard served as a Deacon and two terms as an ordained Elder. He joined the Gulfport Exchange Club in 1975 and served as Secretary-Treasurer for seven years. He was recognized as Exchangite of the Year and was recognized by the National Exchange Club. As part of the club activities he was committed to presenting a small American Flag to all third grade students in the area as part of ""Project Give a Kid a Flag to Wave"". The flags were presented during a formal school ceremony where he displayed replicas of a number of the variations of the United States flag during an educational presentation. Howard's scouting career started in 1960 with Troop 209 where he served as a leader until his passing. During his 53 years with Troop 209 over 90 boys attained the rank of Eagle. His commitment to scouting was a positive influence for many boys as they grew to adulthood. He was honored for his dedication to scouting as the recipient of the Outstanding Scoutmaster, Pine Burr, Silver Beaver, and James E West Awards along with numerous greetings, cards, and thanks from past scouts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Svea Smith, his wife of 63 years Lucile, and his brother Robert Smith of Alexandria, Virginia.
He is survived by his three sons and their wives, Dean and Nancy, Roger and Ellen, and Dale and Judy. He has one grandson, six granddaughters, four great grandsons, and one great granddaughter.
Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 5005 Lawson Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at 10:30am at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 9:00am. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery.
The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Three Rivers Road, Gulfport is handling arrangements.
An online obituary may be viewed and signed at www.riemannfamily.com.