Kermit Smith

My father Kermit Smith, known as Smitty, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin in 1924 to Robert and Anita Smith. At the age of 16 my grandmother, Anita, took him to enlist. She had to provide a current report card that he was doing well in school.
He was enlisted in the Navy and shipped out on the USS Birmingham. He served in the Pacific. The Birmingham took a significant amount of enemy fire. My father was wounded and received a purple heart. He returned to the Birmingham and under heavy attack saved the life of a fellow shipmate and received his second purple heart.
He was a strict father and a man of few words. He told my brother and I once that the measure of a man was not in what he said but his accountability and his actions. We had to look up the words. He lived his life that way.

When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, he and I began a journey that would last nearly 10 years. The last stage was heartbreaking and he passed into our Lord's arms in the care of Houston Hospice. His team was amazing, kind and never once denied him dignity. I have great love for each of them. The end was heartbreaking and unbearable but he finally was released from this earth, much a child, but now cloaked in God's glory and his mind restored. The passage I chose is not the typical funeral verse; however, it speaks to my father and all mankind this one thought and that is: all that I have I give unto you in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Remember Israel and Kermit Smith.
Love to my Father
Donna

It was in 1959 when I lived with the Smith family in Houston Texas at 6050 Belmark for some time. Uncle Kermit was as always very hospitable. Years later my wife and I visited Uncle Kermit and his family at their new home on Bear Creek Dr. As always we were very welcome.
Kermit Smith is Douglas' Uncle.
Kermit's sister is Elaine Smith Bless who is 89 Years old and currently lives in Tomahawk, Wisconsin.
Kermit also had 2 brothers, Wayne and Elroy who have since passed.

Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your Father. May it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. I know both your mother and father knew they were so very much loved and cared for, by their loving daughter (Donna). Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

For those who are reading tributes this is for you. I have been so blessed to have friends that happen to be neighbors. Your support and prayers have given me strength. To Beresford Funeral, I cannot say enough about your kindness and making every detail so perfect. To Dr. Jose Diaz and staff this 10 year journey has been an honor and your empathy and care was remarkable, truly individuals with God's servant hearts. To Houston Hospice team, thank you so very much. To HEB Pharmacy and Branch, Renee and Hilena at Dr. Cumbers, I do truly love you. I could not have made it this far without your care and finally to Jennifer and Joshua may God bless you. I miss my mother and father so very much and I wish I had thanked daddy every day and mother as well for their being my parents. To my deceased brother, Michael and deceased sister, Sherry I miss you and now you all are together as God promised.

Smitty, I can still see you in beloved workshop,you where a wonderful guy I always remembered the 27th of September as your birthday rolled around. I feel blessed to have been around you Smitty you helped me when I lost my father, in your quite way you where supportive. gHost bless Donna and the family ,rip my dear your with dear Peg, Sherry and Michael.

His kindness durning the loss of my father,his brother Wanyne will never be forgotten. He helped the family threw a difficult time. I remember him as such a kind man.