Raymond George Smith
Born: January 9th, 1917
Died: February 18th, 2011
Obituary
Raymond George Smith, 94, of Burlington, died at 7:00 PM Friday, February 18, 2011, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington. Born January 9, 1917, in Burlington, he was the son of John J. and Elsie R. Wiele Smith. On May 18, 1940, he married Ada Margaret Elting in Burlington. She died January 3, 1997. Raymond retired from J.I. Case in 1979 as a machine operator. He had also previously worked at Northwestern Cabinet Co., Lincolnville Cafe on Mt. Pleasant St. and Campbell Chain. He was a U.S. Army Air Corp Veteran, serving during World War II from June 8, 1942 until November 18, 1945. He was a member of First United Church of Christ, the American Legion, Southeast Iowa Pigeon Club. He enjoyed raising and showing fancy pigeons, hunting, trading cars, and boating, especially on the Mississippi River. He was an avid Hawkeye fan. He loved cooking for his family and church events. Survivors include one son, Ralph W. (Debbie) Smith of Burlington; one daughter, Glenys Nappo of Oak Ridge, TN; four grandchildren, Cora Nappo, Heather Nappo, Amy (Judd) Russell, and Melissa (Mike Cerett) Smith; four great-grandchildren, Cameron, Zachary, Eden, and Ella; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Dorothy Ford and one brother, Walter Smith. Visitation will be from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, February 21, 2011 at Hass-Thielen Funeral Home. The funeral service for Mr. Smith will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Hass-Thielen Funeral Home with Pastor JudyAnn Morse officiating and full military honors rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be at First United Church of Christ following the interment. A memorial has been established to the First United Church of Christ.