George Smith Obituary

George Edward Smith, age 85, began eternal life in the presence of Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 19, 2007. He is now with his loving wife, Shirlee of 65 years and his "three little angels", Gerald, Kathleen and Jackie that departed this earth on January 19, 1952. He was surrounded by his loving and caring children to comfort him in his last hours. He was born December 26, 1921 in Wellsville, Missouri, a son of the late, Claude and Rose Patterson Smith. George grew up in Chicago and met his wife, Shirlee. He served with honors in World War II in the Pacific Theater and received several distinguished medals including the Bronze Star. He moved to Colorado Springs after the war and continued to serve his country as a distinguished civil servant at the United States Air Force Academy from March 1949 until he retired in January, 1982. George was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and children. George and his wife, Shirlee, co-founded Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Black Forest. George was a member of the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight at the Black Forest Council 11730. He devoted his life to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Melanie Gilbertsen, Danny Smith, Kevin Smith, Mary Caye Johnson and Sean Smith. He is also survived by grand children Michael, Erin, Patrick, Aiden, Danielle, Amber, Kellie Dustin, Ryan, Kristin, Riley and Keegan along with two great grandchildren, Caleb and Logan and a sister, Carolyn Young. George was also preceded in death by a brother, Dave Smith. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on Monday, May 21, 2007 with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at Evergreen Funeral Home Chapel, 1830 E. Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, 11060 Teachout Road, Black Forest, Colorado. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of his wife, Shirlee Mae Smith.