Verle Smith

Verle Max Red Smith, 86, of Eula passed away Saturday, January 28th in Abilene. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, February 1st at the Eula United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Verle was born on November 23, 1925 in Little River, Kansas where he grew up working on the family farm with his three brothers. He joined the U.S. Navy shortly before his 18th birthday and served 7 years which included time in WWII and the Korean War. After his service in the Navy, Verle enlisted in the Air Force serving 20 years and retiring while stationed at Dyess Air Force Base. While stationed in Tacoma, Washington with the Air Force in 1950, Verle met and married Ann Schatz Weatherly, a union that lasted 60 years until Anns passing in May of 2011. He had worked for Rhodes Body Shop, McIlwain Cadillac and the U.S. Postal Service.

Verle was a hard worker all his life, making sure he provided for his family. He had a passion for restoring antique cars and stainless and owned and operated MAFCAR in Eula until about 5 years ago. Verle was well known for the 1931 Ford Roadster he drove to work for many years. He was a member of the NCOA, the VFW and was one of the charter members who started the Abilene Model A Club.

He is preceded in death by his wife Ann Smith, parents Clair Smith and Ione Smith of Little River, KN , all 3 brothers, Glenn Smith of Houston, TX, Wayne Smith of Halstead, Kansas, and Dean Smith of Greensboro, NC.

Survivors include his children, Steven Smith and wife Irlynda of Tuscola, Candie Martin and husband Jim of Fitzgerald, Georgia and Gary Smith and wife Dawn of Santa Anna five grandchildren, Anna Smith Bankston and husband Tommy, Ashley Martin, Josh Martin, Travis Smith and wife Chant, Caitlin Martin and 3 great grandchildren.

Service

Cemetery