Jerry Don Smith Passes Away

Jerry Don Smith was born on October 3, 1929 in Centrahoma and passed from this life in Moore, OK on June 21, 2018. June 21 was the date of his marriage in 1959. His parents were J. T. (John Thomas) Smith and Stella (Ellerd) Smith. His dad owned and operated a grocery store, J. T. Smith & Son Grocery & General Merchandise in Centrahoma for over 40 years.

He attended school at Centrahoma from first grade through 12th grade, graduating in 1947 with a class of five, probably the smallest graduating class ever in Centrahoma. He enrolled in college the following school year. After two years, he dropped out of college to work and earn money to finish his degree in Geology. During those years, he worked for a company which installed acoustic ceiling tiles, and moved to numerous locations.

After two years or more of working to save enough money to finish his degree, he returned to Oklahoma A&M College (now OSU) and obtained his degree in Geology in 1955. He then got a job with Amerada Petroleum Company, and was sent to North Dakota where he worked on drilling sites not only in N.D. but also in Montana, and Wyoming. He met and later married a wonderful girl from Williston, N.D. on June 21, 1959. Her name was Flora May Caroline Torgerson. They had four children, Allan Dwayne, Rodney Paul (who died in infancy), Randall Lee and Jana Kay. He worked for Amerada Petroleum for 13 years, and after that moved back to Oklahoma, and went to work for OG&E in Oklahoma City as a gas Contract Specialist until he retired.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Flora; brothers Alva C. Smith, Vestle Smith and Arlis L. Smith; sisters Rubye Smith Priest and Margie Smith King. He is survived by his three children, Allan, Randall and Jana and her husband, Curtis; one grandson Michael Lee; sister Anna Jean Smith Key; her husband Jack and their children Kevin, Stephanie and Matthew; niece Aliene Perkins; nephew Dr. Byron Smith.

He taught Sunday School for several years and was a member of Toastmasters Club. He enjoyed playing baseball and watching other sports reading and playing his harmonica by ear. He also enjoyed taking walks and riding his bicycle. He and his wife Flora loved taking care of their grandson Michael during the time his mother was completing her education. He was, as his children said, a selfless man, a caring and wonderful person. He enjoyed telling about events of his life and making others laugh.

He will be missed so much by his family and others who knew him well.