Calvin Herbert Smith

On October 24, 2024, Calvin Herbert Smith, native of Maytown, PA, and long-time resident of Warner Robins, GA, departed this life in peace. He was 100 years old.

Born in 1923 to Herbert and Lorieta Smith, he grew up in rural Pennsylvania during the days of Prohibition and the Great Depression. After high school, he attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA until WWII began, abruptly interrupting his education. Calvin enlisted in the Army Air Corps and had a storied and decorated military career, serving in all six major European campaigns (Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe), including 12 combat missions.

Upon separation from active duty in 1946, Calvin attended Purdue University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in June 1950. Throughout that time, he remained in the Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged in October 1957.

Calvin started his career with the Federal Government working in Ground Communications at Olmstead AFB in Middletown, PA. In 1966, he and his family relocated to Warner Robins, GA, where he continued his civil service career at Robins Air Force Base, retiring in 1986 with 40 years of service.

An avid hunter and fisherman with a deep affection for nature, Calvin remained active in outdoor pursuits into his late 90s. He cultivated his passion through local hunting and shooting clubs. He joined the Robins Rod and Gun Club in 1966, serving as President, and later founded the Taylor Creek Hunt Club in 1975 and remained active as President until 2019.

Married to Shirley Louise Smith for 63 years until her death in 2015, he is survived by three children, Darryl Smith of Huntersville, NC; Duane Smith of Warner Robins, GA; and David Smith of Marietta, GA; and by one grandchild.

A funeral service will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Maytown Reformed United Church of Christ, 11 East Elizabeth Street, Maytown, PA 17550 with Rev. Dr. Ronnett L. Comfort-Butler officiating.  Burial with full military honors will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.  A period of food and fellowship will be held after the burial at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations sent to Calvin's retired military volunteers group: TREA Chapter 94, 103 Deerfield Circle, Warner Robins, GA 31088.