C.E. Smith

Memorial Services for Clement E. "Gene" Smith, 80 of Belton, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home of Belton with Dr. Robert Beamon officiating.

Mr. Smith passed from this life on Thursday, June 29, at a local hospital.

Clement Eugene "Gene" Smith was born August 10, 1936 in Dubois, PA to Clement H. Smith and Mary Catherine Smith. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania until he joined the Marine Corps Reserves and then United States Army during the Korean War. He then went on to serve his country proudly for over 26 years. He served two 1-year combat tours during the Vietnam War where he was awarded The Purple Heart, a Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars and many other service related medals. Gene was a true hero, and like most great service men of that generation he was very humble about his time in the Army. Gene was a Christian man that stood for God and country. Even after his retirement he was still involved in and was a lifetime member of many different veterans organizations such as, being an officer in The Purple Heart Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. He visited wounded soldiers of the Iraq War in San Antonio with The Purple Heart Association.

After his time in the military he, his beloved wife, Sue and daughter, Joan settled in Belton. Gene worked for many years for the City of Belton in the water and sewer department. He was a hardworking man who loved his job. Mr. Smith was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan to the core. During Steelers games, you knew whether they were winning or losing by the noise level coming from the back room where he watched the games. When the Steelers weren't on TV, he enjoyed fishing with friends and family. Above all else, he enjoyed every single moment spent with his family. Gene especially treasured the time he got to spend with his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He was also a huge fan of Belton Tiger football, softball and any other activities his granddaughters and future grandson-in-law were involved in. Gene was a very special man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gordon Smith; and a sister, Carol Joan Smith.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his loving wife, Sue Ann Merryman Smith; daughter, Joan Smith Vance and husband Tim; sisters, Peggy Wilson, Linda Herrelko, Mary Kay Guthrie; grandchildren, Kelly Holt and husband Blake, Sarah Vance; great-grandchildren, Molly, Carter, Brooks, Madison, and Cooper; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are in the care of the directors at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home of Belton.

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