John W. Smith, age 62, retired Vietnam War Veteran, died at James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital on Monday, April 13, 2009, following a courageous battle with a stroke, heart conditions and other unknown illnesses.
He was born on March 17, 1947, Aiea, Hawaii, to the late Julius H. Smith and Esmerelda Echaori. He attended and graduated from Waipahu High School in 1965. John served in the U.S. Air Force, during the Vietnam War, and was stationed in Saigon. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. On December 12, 1994, he was united in marriage to Debbie S. Lanton in Tampa, Fl.
Mr. Smith continued his education while in the Air Force. He took courses as a OJT Trainer/Supervisor and a Project Rivet Rally. Which then lead him to be a Fabrication and Parachute Supervisor and attaining his own shop at the Mac Dill Air Force Base.
John served 20 years in the Air Force until retiring on April 30, 1986 in Tampa, Fl. While serving those years, John was honored with the following medals and ribbons; Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon, United States Air Force NCO DMS/Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Cold War Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon.
During his civilian years, John worked continuously hard while at LSG Skychefs for over 15 years. He was not only a career orientated individual, but also a family man. He took care of his family thru all the hardships that came with it. John was beyond a loving and dedicated husband and father.
John is survived by his wife, Debbie, his daughter, Leilani; two sisters, Mildred Ranada, Pearl City, HI, Jeannie Yingst, Waianae, HI and one brother, Robert Smith, Pearl City, HI. He is furthered survived by 6 nieces, 15 nephews, other relatives and many friends.
