Dr. Gene R. Smith

August 27, 1920 - August 27, 1920

Gene Ruben, son of Anna (Booker) and J. B. Smith was born on August 27, 1920 at Cordell, Oklahoma. He passed away at the Alva Share Medical Center on the 30th day of March at the age of 85 years, 7 months and 3 days. He attended the Alva School System and graduated from high school with the class of 1938, playing trumpet with the band. Attending the University of Oklahoma for a year. Major Smith was a veteran of World War II serving in the Army Air Force flying the hump in Burma and was in charge of Air Force operations in Karachi. Gene had flown about every plane and his favorite was the P38. On January 26, 1941 he was married to Doris E. Gilmer in Ada. To their marriage three children, Gene R. Jr., Teresa, and Larry G. were born. Doris was killed in an auto accident on August 18, 1996. Following their marriage after the war Gene & Doris moved to Chicago were he graduated from the Needles School of Optometry. Returning to Alva opening the Smith's Vision Clinic, retiring in 1984. During retirement they moved to a home in "The Oaks" in Edmond. Where they enjoyed playing golf on the "Oak Tree" East course and enjoyed other retirement activities. Dr. Smith was a member of the Alva First Baptist Church, past president of the Alva Rotary Club, past Master of the Alva Masonic Lodge # 105, past president of Oklahoma State Optometric Association and a member of the Alva Blackwing Post of the V. F. W. Post # 2847. Dr. Smith was preceded in death by his mother on October 20, 1936, his father on December 11, 1978 his sister Maurine Reneau on October 7, 1987, a brother, John and his stepmother Lillian (Shafer) Smith. Gene is survived by his daughter and her husband, Teresa and Scott Loeser of Byron, two sons and their wives, Gene R. Jr. and Lynne of Stillwater and Larry G. and Cindy of Alva. Five grandchildren and their spouses Gina-Lynne and Robert Scharoun of Wichita, Craig and Debbie Smith of Edmond, Roxanne Lemrich of Oklahoma City, Natalie Loeser of Stillwater and Brandon Loeser of Norman, seven great grandchildren, Matthew and Mia Scharoun, Grayson and Colton Smith and Victoria and Jillian Lemrich. A brother, J. B. Jr. of Palm Spring, California and a brother-in-law, Bob Reneau, of Alva, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. PDF Printable Version