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SMITH -- Harold Gordon Smith died April 22, 2008 at his home in Montrose, Colo., at the age of 88. Harold was born July 7, 1919, in Herrin, Ill., to Charles Gordon Smith and Myrtle Jane (Dassing) Smith, later Rainbolt. He spent his childhood and attended grade school in Metropolis, Ill. Harold, initially an infantryman and then an amphibious truck driver, served his country in the United States Army from 1941-45 during World War II. Harold, who was briefly held as a prisoner of war in North Africa by the German army before escaping, received an honorable discharge in 1945 with the rank of Specialist-5 after advancing with his units through Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, France, Germany and Austria. Harold's best friend, Harry A. Frazee, got a baby sister, Velda M. Frazee, on Feb. 1, 1928, in Metropolis, Ill. After returning home from the war, Harold later married Velda in Metropolis on July 9, 1946. Harold and Velda soon thereafter moved to Albuquerque where he built and they lived in two homes in the South Valley. Harold worked for the old Armijo Bus Company before going to work for the United States Post Office, most often at the stations at Old Town and on Bridge Street. He retired from the Post Office in 1972. The couple subsequently relocated in 1973 to Montrose, Colo., where they established their final home, and Harold worked as a carpenter for the Montrose School District. Harold enjoyed rock collecting, carpentry, gardening, restoring automobiles, pitching washers, participating in church activities and taking long drives in the mountains. Survivors include his wife, Velda, of the family home; and their children, Lt. Col. Harold G. Smith Jr., USMC (Ret.), and his wife, Cathy, of Albuquerque; Bernard L. Smith of New River, Ariz.; and Rosalie J. (Smith) Daigle and her husband, Dan, of Denver. His grandchildren include H. Gordon Smith III and his wife, Stephanie, of Dewey, Okla., Bryan L. Smith of Montrose, Colo.; and Elizabeth M. (Smith) Wenrich and her husband, Brian, of Albuquerque. Great grandchildren include Nella C. Smith of Dewey, Okla., and two on the way. Harold also is survived by his nephew Ron E. Smith and his wife, Margie, of Metropolis, Ill., and a stepsister, Sue Murray of Dixon, Ill. Harold was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Lewis V. Smith, Vita K. (Smith) Giffin and Edith H. (Smith) Booth. He also was preceded in death by his best friend, Harry A. Frazee, who lived in McIntosh. Others preceding him included his half brother, Edward Rainbolt, as well as three stepbrothers, two stepsisters and a nephew, George L. Emery. Harold was buried at Grand View Cemetery in Montrose, Colo. In lieu of flowers, request donations be sent to Rosemont Baptist Church, 1598 E. Niagara Rd., Montrose, Colo. 81401.
        Published on: Wed May 07, 2008