Howard Lee "Smitty" Smith

With great sadness, the family of Howard Lee Smith announces his peaceful passing on Tuesday, September 10, 2013, in Upland, CA at the age of 86. He will join his beloved wife of 30 years, Darlene Karr Smith (06/23/32 - 02/15/83).
Smitty, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Downey, CA on March 21st, 1927. He attended Lynwood High, class of 1943, where he played the drums and won recognition as a running back for the "Knights" football team.
After serving in the US Navy as an Aviation Machinist in World War II, Smitty went on to Compton College where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. This prepared him for a rewarding career working as a TV technician and Parts Director for Phil & Jim's TV and Appliance.
As luck would have it, his great friend, Ralph Karr, introduced him to his sweet sister, Darlene. It was love at first sight. They were married on October 10th, 1953, at Huntington Park Baptist. In 1960, Smitty and Darlene moved their young family to Whittier, CA. where they would spend the next 23 wonderful years together, raising their children in a home filled with laughter and love.
He was a long time member of the Whittier Elks Lodge, where he and his companion of 30 years, Lilian "Murph" Scanlon, could be found at their favorite corner table listening to swing music and dancing the night away.
Predeceased by his wife, Darlene, Smitty leaves behind his three loving children, Karen (Ray) Smith, Randy (Patty) Smith, Ron (Lydia) Smith, his eight grandchildren of whom he was especially proud, Jonathan (Amanda) Smith, Julia (Jason) Smith Castro, Jeff (Carrie) Henning-Smith, Jason (Krystina) Smith, Tara Smith, Kelsey Smith, Marissa Smith, Megan Smith, two step-grandchildren, April Eyestone, Andy Eyestone, and five great grandchildren, Logan Castro,
Madison Castro, Dylan Castro, Miles Henning-Smith and Lorenzo Smith. He will be greatly missed by many loving relatives and friends.
In celebration of his life, memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 28th, at 11:30 am at Forest Lawn Memorial Park , 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630. Pastor George Van Alstine officiating. Interment will follow.