Samuel Joseph Smith, of Caddo, Okla., passed from this life on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020 at the age of 81. He was born on Wednesday, July 19, 1939 in Montgomery, Ala. to Samuel Alexander and Lucy Josephine (Poje) Smith.
Samuel graduated from Auburn University in 1961 and received his PhD in Agriculture and Soil from Iowa Sate University. Samuel then began his career in public service in Washington D.C. and accepted an appointment as a senior scientist at the USDA Water Lab in Durant, Okla. where he was employed for 27 years. After retirement, he pursued his passion in ranching. He was a member of the Bryan County Cattlemen’s Association and the Bryan County Conservation District. Samuel was a faithful member of St. Williams Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Alexander Smith and Lucy Josephine (Poje) Smith Russell; his brother John Morgan Smith and niece Lisa Means.
Survivors include his beloved wife Janet Lynn Smith of the home; her four children, Norm Fernandez Jr., Tim Fernandez, Jeff Fernandez, and Kathy Fernandez Eason; his nephew, Justin Smith; great-niece, Mia Smith and great nephew Ripley Means.
A come-and-go visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. and a Rosary to follow at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at the Gordon Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Carl Kerkemeyer will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at the St. Williams Catholic Church in Durant, Okla. Chad Morris, Clinton Schiell, Edwin Morgan, Jeff Fernandez, Jered Stanley, Norm Fernandez Jr., Steve Simpson, and Tim Fernandez will serve as pallbearers.
The family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to Guardian Hospice for their excellent standard of care.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant.
Phone: (580) 916-9090
www.gordonfh.com
