FRED EWING SMITH

SMITH, FRED EWING CMDR, U.S. Navy Ret. Fred Ewing Smith was born June 15, 1927, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Robert and Julia Irma (Gonzales) Smith. Mr. Smith went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, November 7, 2010, in El Cajon, California, at the age of 83 years. Following his freshman year at Louisiana State University, he started his military career by joining the U.S. Navy shortly before the conclusion of World War II. He distinguished himself as a corpsman (medic) reaching the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. His service included tours on the Cruiser USS Providence and the hospital ship USS Consolation during the Korean War. In the fall of 1958, he was promoted to Ensign in the Medical Service Corps and sent to Officers Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. His service as an officer included tours of duty at various naval hospitals in Philadelphia, Portsmouth, NH, San Diego, and Pearl Harbor. While at Pearl Harbor, he completed his Bachelor's Degree at Chaminade College of Honolulu. Other assignments included service aboard the aircraft carrier Bonhomme Richard during the Vietnam War, coordinating the medical personnel for the recovery ship of several Apollo Moon Expeditions and the medical team that met the repatriated POW's after their release from captivity in Vietnam. Commander Smith retired from the U.S. Navy after three wars and more than thirty years of service to his country. Mr. Smith and his wife Elizabeth were longtime residents of greater San Diego and members of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon where he served as a deacon for a number of years. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (Betty) Smith. Loving father to John R. Smith and wife Carol, Walter B. Smith and wife Cathy, Nancy G. Nelson and husband Robin, Synomyn Costales and husband Lloyd. Grandfather to Sari G. McLaughlin, Brock I. Smith, Rebekah J. Brasee, Rolf L.E. Nelson, David R. Smith, Kirk N. Smith, Julia E. Costales and Quincy G. Costales. Family and friends may call for visitation Friday, November 12, 2010, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Shadow Mountain Community Church, 2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA 92019, and are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 2 p.m. Interment will be Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. in Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518, family and friends meeting at Staging Area No. 3. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, CA. (951) 785-4071. Please sign guest book at www. akesfamilyfuneralhome.com