Thomas S. Smith

Thomas S. Smith, 91, passed away on September 24, 2009 at Mesilla Valley Hospice, La Posada. Tom was born on June 23, 1918, in Logan, OK, to Ora J. Smith and Blanche M. Brillhart Smith.

In February of 1943, Tom married Mary Louise Sahl. Mary Lou was with Tom when he passed away.

Tom served in the Coast Guard during World War II and with the Navy during the Korean War. After serving, he attended and graduated from the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute in Washington D.C. Tom moved with his family to New Mexico in 1952 to work at White Sands Missile Range as an Electronics Engineer.

Tom and family attended First United Presbyterian Church until 1979, when Northminster Presbyterian Church was organized, with him as a charter member. Tom served as an Elder at both churches.Tom's recreational pursuits included bowling, square dancing, golfing, hunting, and fishing.

After retirement from White Sands in 1973, Tom enjoyed traveling in recreational vehicles or on cruises with Mary Lou. When Habitat for Humanity was organized in Las Cruces, he volunteered in various areas of home construction.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou, two daughters, Kaaren A. Westergard and her husband, John of Reno, NV, and Pamela Smith and husband Chuck O'Donnell of Las Cruces. Two grandchildren, Dirk Westergard of Reno, NV and Kasen Westergard of Spring Creek, NV; sister, Una Valera Kooly, lives in Post Falls, ID; two nephews, Bill Donovan and Ken Siirila. He is also survived by numerous cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Sonoma Springs Presbyterian Church in Las Cruces on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 720 North Santa Fe St., Las Cruces, NM 88001, to Sonoma Springs Presbyterian Church, 3940 Sonoma Springs Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88011, or to a charity of choice.