P. Thomas Smith's Obituary
P. Thomas “Tom” Smith, 76, of Rowlett, TX, formerly of Decatur, joined our Heavenly Father on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at Baylor Medical Center in Garland, Texas.
He was born in Lovington on June 9, 1931 the son of Frank P. and Sara Malloy Smith. Tom and was a graduate of Saint Theresa High School where he excelled in football and basketball. After high school, he attended junior college in Springfield and then went into the Navy during the Korean War. In the Navy he won the Golden Gloves in boxing and was an exceptional player for the Navy Football team. He lived in Tennessee for over 25 years, and then moved to Dallas, Texas before retiring to Decatur. While in Tennessee, he was the owner of Shady Lawn Truck Stop and Smith and Rector Hardware Store. He was a member of the school board, was very active in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a member of the Rotary Club, and a founding member of the Cloverleaf Association. He married Lois McNiel on October 18, 1952 in Decatur and they were able to celebrated 50 years of marriage prior to her death 4 years ago.
He is survived by his 5 children: Thomas L. Smith of California, Cyndy Vincent of Saint Louis, MO, David Judy Smith, Sandy Tom Wylie, and Susie Steve Stovall all of Texas. Grandchildren: Austin, Christopher, Dylan, Ryan, Kelsey, Dyllan, Thomas, Noah, Katie, Eliza, and Abby. He has numerous family members in the Decatur area including several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tom is the last surviving son of Sara and Frank P. Smith who had 7 other children.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 pm Friday, September 7, 2007 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Visitation will be one hour prior in the church. Burial will be at St. Isidore Cemetery, Dalton City. Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
The family of Tom Smith is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St. Decatur.
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