Walter James Smith
Of New Kensington, PA
James Walter (“Walt”) Smith passed away on July 13, 2014 at the Center for Compassionate Care at Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville PA after battling lymphoma with stoic dignity and uncommon grace.  
Walt was born to George Smith and Vernetta (Stiffey) Smith on December 30, 1928 near Livermore PA.     He was raised and worked on the family farm with his seven brothers and sisters.    
His education through the eighth grade came at a one room schoolhouse, Duncan No. 6.     He graduated from Elders Ridge High School in 1946 where his studious, quiet, and friendly nature was noted by his classmates.     Walt then matriculated at Indiana State Teachers College and graduated in 1950 with a B.S. Ed in the Biological Sciences and Social Studies.    Walt was particularly knowledgeable in botany and enjoyed identifying plant life during walks in the woods.
Walt proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and maintained a membership in the American Legion.  After service in the Army, he was hired by Gulf Oil Corporation and spent his career as a chemical lab analyst at Gulf Research in Harmarville.
He met his wife Barb at a square dance and were married in 1955.     They had an exemplary marriage for 57 years.       He treasured his wife and delighted in spending time with his family.    Walt especially enjoyed taking his family on vacations and camping trips and took his sons to game 3 of 1971 World Series.   Walt was often seen as a shining example of a loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather.    He could always be counted on by his family whether it was playing catch, helping to memorize lines for a school play, preparing dinner,  playing a board game, assisting with  delivering newspapers on a cold morning, cheering at a swim meet,  driving to music lessons, or patiently helping prepare for a Sunday School Bible quiz.
Walt’s strong faith was forged in childhood and he was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church.    He served the church in a number of ways including as a member of the Board of Deacons and as part of the church Care Team.   With his rich baritone voice, he was known for his singing and enthusiastically sang hymns.   His helpful and gentle nature found a new outlet after retirement when he volunteered with Meals on Wheels.
With his strong intellect and eye for detail, Walt enjoyed playing Trivial Pursuit and watching Jeopardy.   He also liked playing Scrabble with his wife and other family and friends.  He had excellent hand eye coordination and participated in bowling leagues, played horseshoes, and loved competing in Ping Pong. He would quickly join a badminton match or softball game at family picnics.
Walt’s kindness, patience, and quick wit will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by family and friends.    He is survived by his sons Jim (Kathy) of O’Hara and Doug (Carin) of McMurray, grandchildren Emily Sundy (John), Hillary Smith and her fiancé Chad Bennetts, and Jenna Smith.  He is also survived by his brothers John Cyrus of Grand Junction Colorado, and Harold (Lillian) of Clarksburg, sisters-in-law Rose Smith of Lower Burrell, Marian (George) Williams of Oakmont, and brother-in-law Ernie Schwab of Lower Burrell.     He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara (Schwab), his son Gregory Alan, sisters Edith (Howard) Elwell, Annabel Smith, Isabel (Ed) Lucas, and Helena Smith, brother Robert Smith, and sisters-in-law Frieda Smith, Louise (David) Zeiler, and Roberta Schwab.

Family and friends are invited from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Wednesday, July 16, at the CHURCHFIELD-PETERS FUNERAL HOME, 501 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, PA  15068 (724-335-1951).  Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, at the UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 601 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, PA  15068 with the Rev. Terry Timm, officiating (EVERYONE IS ASKED TO MEET AT THE CHURCH). Burial will follow at the Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell, PA.  Military honors will be accorded by the Tarentum VFW. For online condolences please visit us at www.petersfamilyfuneralhomes.com
For those who wish to honor Walt’s life and memory, please consider a donation to the American Legion Charities (PO Box 361626, Indianapolis IN 46236-1625), the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202), or the United Presbyterian Church of New Kensington (601 5th Ave, New Kensington, PA 15068).

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