Monroe Charles Smith

1943 - 2025

A proud veteran of the US Air Force and the AZ Air National Guard (where he was known to all as "Smitty"), Monroe Charles Smith of Tucson, Arizona loyally served in the military and supported this nation until his death from brain cancer on October 24, 2025. Monroe was born in Stanton, Michigan to Bruce and Loa (nee Green) Smith in 1943. He attended one-room schools Waxwood, then Dickerson Lake, where he grew up with many of the same students/friends for all of the 12 years of his education, until he graduated from Stanton High School and joined the Air Force in 1962. He served for four years in the Air Force, then went to work for his then father-in-law and eventually opened his own automotive business as H & M Mobile Automotive. He enjoyed meeting and talking to customers and many of them became life-long friends and still are to this day. After a divorce from his first wife, he joined the Air National Guard and worked there until his retirement, visiting many US Air Bases and attaining the rank of Master Sargeant. During and after his employment with AANG he continued to work as the owner/operator of his own Auto Mechanic business until he began to fight his cancer two and a half years ago. Along the way, his home became a haven for half of the feline population of the south side of Tucson. Many were the kittens born and raised in his home (and dutifully neutered). Monroe never saw a kitten or cat he didn't love. He was preceded in death by his son, Charles Brian Smith (LeeAnn) who also died of cancer and by both parents, Bruce and Loa Smith. He is survived by his wife Lani M. Smith; sister Vivian (Dave) Wittkowski; niece Amy (Ryan) McDonald, great-nieces Jackie and Kara and step-grandson Seth in addition to his first wife Michal Goforth. At this time there will be no viewing or services although there may be honor service in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to The Salvation Army Southwest Division, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona or the Pima Air and Space Museum of Tucson, Arizona.