Arlan Eugene Smith

Arlan Eugene Smith

1938 – 2023

Arlan passed from this broken world to that City not made with hands; the perfect Kingdom of God, on Thursday, October 19, 2023, in Oklahoma City, OK.

Arlan was born October 19, 1938, in Three Rivers, Texas to Eugene Charlie and Adelena Maria (Boenisch) Smith. He passed away October 19, 2023, at exactly 85 years of age.

Arlan was proceeded in death by his parents, Eugene and Adelena Smith and sister Joan Ruth Daniels. He is survived by his wife Betty Smith of the home in Edmond OK, daughter Shar and husband Jesse Tipton of Shawnee, two sons: Dennis and wife Leen Smith of Edmond, and Curtis and wife Amy Smith of Edmond, and brother Dallas and wife Jennifer Smith of Mounds, eleven grandchildren: Charitie and husband Mike Byrd; Seanna and husband Chad Clark; Robert Hobbs; Ashley and husband Josh Taylor; Marcus Smith; Laura Smith; Brandon Smith; Rachel Smith; Ellea Smith; E.J. Smith; and Easton Smith, eleven great-grandchildren five great-great-grandchildren, many extended family members, and friends.

Arlan graduated from Okmulgee High School, class of 1958. He received an Associates degree from Rose State College, and a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. Arlan attended the University of Central Oklahoma where he worked on his master’s degree. He also received other certifications in vocational education.

Arlan met the love of his life, Betty Jean Ashlock in high school. They married on June 5^th, 1959, they were blessed with sixty-four loving years together.

Arlan served in the U S Air Force. He served a tour in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam flying on an AC-47 Gun Ship, better known as “The Dragon Ship” or “Spooky”. He was awarded fourteen medals during his Air Force career, including five medals for his service in Vietnam, two Distinguished Flying Crosses for Heroism, an Air Medal, an Accommodation Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

His Air Force career included: being a member of the C-5A aircraft operations test team at Edwards AFB writing technical orders; School Instructor at Altus AFB; and Superintendent of Schools at Sheppard AFB where he retired after serving over 23 years.

He worked in the Civil Service at the Fort Sill Army Base and Tinker Air Force Base. He also worked in the civilian sector as manager for retail stores mostly in the Oklahoma City area. Arlan was self-employed until full retirement in 2008. Arlan stayed busy with family activities, church, and as an owner of “Smitty’s Classics”.  Family was the most important thing in his life. Family always came first.

Over the years he has pursued several hobbies, travels, and interests including golf, fishing, and the restoration of several classic automobiles. His other hobbies included working with stained glass, and crafting heirloom woodwork furniture that Betty proudly displays in their home.

He was a member of Seward Road Baptist Church. Arlan was a Master Mason and member of Altus, Edmond and Tecumseh Masonic Lodges, serving as Past Master of Tecumseh Lodge. He was also a member of the India Shriners, the Royal Order of Scotland, Guthrie Scottish Rite, Knights Templar, Sojourners, and Hero’s of ‘76 where he enjoyed being a part of the Flag Team. With the Order of Eastern Stars, he served as Worthy Patron at Altus, Edmond and Tecumseh Chapters. He was honored to be the Worthy Grand Patron of The Oklahoma Order of Eastern Star for the 2022 – 2023 term where he enjoyed meeting and visiting chapters and members. Arlan served as the Grand Pop with the “Pearl’s”. Arlan also served as DeMolay Dad and Rainbow Dad serving on boards for both, he was a Scout Master, Sports Coach and participated in various other community and church activities.

In lieu of flowers, Donations should be made to Shriners Children’s Love to the Rescue at donate.lovetotherescue.org.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends and guests from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Services will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Seward Road Baptist Church with interment to follow at 2:30pm at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.