Obituary of Major Thomas Patrick Smith USAF

Maj. Thomas Patrick Smith, Jr., USAF retired, 89, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021.Tom was born on February 5, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA to Gertrude and Thomas Smith. He attended St. Thomas More High School and St. Joseph’s University before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He was a decorated officer and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and on assignments throughout the world. He spent most of his military career as a navigator on F-4 fighter jets and B-52 bombers. He retired as a major after being stationed at many places around the world including Greenland, Sardinia, Okinawa and England and many air bases throughout the country. After his retirement, he continued to serve his country as a Safety Investigator for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.Tom was an active member of St. Andrews Catholic Church and was proud to have been the creator of a men’s Bible Study group and its leader for many years. He enjoyed a good round of golf and was also active in a neighborhood men’s bowling league. He spent many volunteer hours as a Tarrant County court appointed Special Advocate for children and adults who were assigned guardians. Part of his duties for the county included conducting home visits and securing everyday services for those who needed help. He was honored to have received an award for his dedicated volunteer service from the Governor of Texas. He had a lifelong love of nature and its beauty and was delighted to be a docent at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge for many years.Tom married the love of life, LaVerne Louzon in Philadelphia in 1954, and together they raised 7 children. Their adventure together spanned 66 years and took them to all 50 states, and several countries and continents. He was always the life of the party, the best martini maker, a challenging bridge player, the creator of many classic corny jokes and the most joyful and lovable of all people.Survivors: Wife, LaVerne Smith; children, LaVerne Marie Butler, Mary Lynn Hall and husband Mike, Carol Jean Crowe, Elizabeth Fischer and husband Steve, Thomas Patrick Smith, III, Michael Louis Smith and Joseph Francis Smith; 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald Smith; sister, Janet Rosenlund, both of Philadelphia; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.The family would like to send their special thanks and appreciation to the many loving and caring staff members at Colonial Gardens Memory Care Center for their exceptional care. Tom was always content, well cared for and loved by many. We can never express how truly thankful we are for their care of him.