Jack Ward Smith

Jack Ward Smith, a resident of the Hanna Community, was born on February 25, 1926 in Walters, Oklahoma to Wesson Smith and Louie Dell Cooper. He married Peggy Jo Speir Smith on February 14, 1971 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He worked as a rancher for most of his life. Jack passed away at his home on May 31, 2010 at the age of 84 years. Jack was a hero to all of us. He was enlisted in Oklahoma City on the 2nd day of March, 1943 to the Marine Corps. He was a veteran of WWII and throughout his time served, he received multiple medals and rewards for his duty and bravery. On September 18, 1944, he received his first Purple Heart “for wounds received as a result on enemy action in the Asiatic-Pacific Area, on July 26, 1944.” On June 2, 1945, he received “the Gold Star in lieu of a second Purple Heart……for wounds received in action against an enemy of the United States on May 21, 1945.” In that same time frame of 1945, he was serving in Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands and received a Bronze Star for his actions. He helped pull a helpless comrade from underneath a burning plane that had crashed despite burning his hands and arms. Just after the he pulled the comrade out, the plane exploded, narrowly escaping his own death. Jack is survived by his wife, Peggy, of the home; 1 Step- son: Mark Eugene Glandon of Richardson, Texas; 3 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: Bobby Smith and Jimmy Smith, and a step-son, Michael Glandon. Viewing for Jack will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 from 2:00pm – 8:00pm at the Shurden Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 2:00pm at the Walters City Cemetery in Walters, Oklahoma under the direction of the Shurden Funeral Home.