Erskine Leslie "Smitty" Smith
MSGT AF RT

He was born in Walkill, New York on September 20, 1934, and adopted at birth by Leslie and Maude Smith. He grew up in Carbondale, Pennsylvania until his entry into the Air Force in January of 1953, where he served his country until retirement in August of 1975. During his three-year tour in England, he was a radio operator on cargo aircraft where his missions took him to most European countries to include North Africa and the Middle East. He then performed as an electronic check technician on the Minuteman Missile Systems.

When the Vietnam conflict occurred, Smitty returned to flying as a combat information monitor, flying 120 missions that took him over Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos where he was awarded five air medals for his distinguished service.

Upon his retirement, Mr. Smith returned to his home in Mission Hills, California with his wife and children. He was a life time member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. the VFW, the Disabled American Veterans and a 40-year member of American Legion Post 125. His many interests included bowling where he had many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Sally Ann Smith who passed away in 2003. They were married in 1956, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his four children Joseph Smith, Deborah Martz, Kathy Banda and Kenneth Smith, 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday September 2, at 1 pm with a funeral service to follow at 2 pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary in Lompoc. Interment will follow the service at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.