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Jake Smitherman Obituary
Jake Cleveland Smitherman, 90, of Franklin, Texas, passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2011. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 2, at Earthman Funeral Home in Baytown. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 3, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Jake was born the last surviving child of Newell David (Preacher) and Artie G. Smitherman in Franklin, where he grew up and attended school. He attended Baylor University where he played football. He and Gladys were married in Franklin and moved to Baytown, where Jake worked for Exxon for 38 years. He worked in Okinawa, Japan in 1970-71, before returning to Baytown. After retiring, he and Gladys moved back to Franklin, where they enjoyed cattle ranching and farming for another 33 years. Jake was a member of First Baptist Church in New Baden.
Jake was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Smitherman of Angleton; a sister, Parnez Cadaro of Franklin; and son, Jake R. Smitherman of Baytown.
Jake is survived by his wife of 69 years, Gladys (McBride) Smitherman of Franklin; daughters, Janelle Fears of Georgetown and Dianne Harris of LaPorte; and son, David Smitherman of Baytown. He is also survived by sons-in-law, Robert D. Fears of Georgetown, and Jerry Harris of LaPorte; grandchildren, Suzanne and Graham Hagood of Carrolton, Texas, Robyn and Dr. Moore of Bloomington, Ind., Travis and Christie Harris of LaPorte, and Laura Harris of LaPorte; great-grandchildren, Jake Hagood, Gray Hagood, Brendon Moore, Lauren Moore, Ethan Moore, Deven Habisreting and Izaiah Fleming. He is also survived by many other nieces, nephews and one remaining first cousin, Hazel (Pete) Smitherman Kuzel of Calvert, Texas.
The family would like to thank Hospice Brazos Valley, Calvert and Merryman Home Health in Franklin and Sienna Home Health of Tomball.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be John Wayne Smitherman, Travis Harris, James Hillin and Pete Cote'.
To view the online obituary and post a tribute for the family, visit www.earthmanbaytown.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Rd., Baytown, TX 77521; (281) 422-8181.
Memories and Condolences
for Jake Smitherman
David Smitherman
December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas Dad, you will always be with us.
Teresa Perez-Blanchard
March 26, 2011
Jake was a wonderful and special man. He will be deeply missed and always remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Gladys and David. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
~Love, Odelia Perez and Family
David Smitherman
February 24, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad! We miss you!
Curt Williams
February 14, 2011
Thank you for allowing me the honor to, in a small way, give tribute to such a fine man. I pray that the challenge of adjusting to this loss is tempered by the peace that passeth all understanding.
Curt Williams
February 13, 2011
Aunt Gladys, David and Diane, My heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Lorie Smitherman Dickson
Susan Daniel
February 12, 2011
Janelle and Robert and all the Smitherman Family, Just moments ago I learned of the passing of your Father, Janelle. How very, very sorry I am. As you know, I've also experienced the passing of a 90-year old Father, and it is not easy.....however, time does help and the memories only become better and better!! We are all blessed to have had such wonderful men in our lives for so long a time. My tenderest thoughts and sincerest prayers go out to each of you.
Sandra Burke
February 11, 2011
always thinking of gladys and david
February 4, 2011
Aunt Gladys, I am so sorry my heart and prayers go out to you and your children, I have many fond memories of Uncle Jake, he looks so much like my father Louie, he will be missed. Love Jill
February 3, 2011
Aunt Gladys, you and your family are my heart and thoughts. I have a lot of good memories that will always be with me. God be with you and the family. Linda Smitherman Pyle
February 2, 2011
We here at McCauley Funeral Home Inc. would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Jake Smitherman. Jake was a long time friend of ours here in Franklin and will be deeply miss by all of us here. We extend our prayers to the family of Jake. Barbara, Jennifer & Steven / McCauley Funeral Home Inc. 101 Decherd@Center St. Franklin, Texas 77856
Mary Rabe
February 2, 2011
Jake was a friend to our family. He grew up during very hard times on the farm back in Franklin. He and my dad were friends as boys. He moved back to Franklin and they reconnected after he retired. My prayers go out to Gladys and David during this difficult time. Mary (Cissy) Steele Rabe
Debbi Kyser
February 2, 2011
Our prayer are with you and your family. May the Lord give you strength to help you during this time of need.
February 2, 2011
My prayers and sympathy go out to the family. Jake was so loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was an honorable man and I am blessed that my path crossed with his for a short period of time. Peggy Knott
February 2, 2011
Janelle, my thoughts and prayers seek to comfort you at the loss of your father. May God's love be ever near you and your family at this time.
In Christian Love...Nita Davis (Baytown, TX)
ALBERT PARTEN
February 1, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Linda and E J (Punchy) Riley
February 1, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smitherman family. When I think of Mr. Smitherman I remember his "garden" (which must have been huge) behind our house on Milner Drive in Brownwood, which later became Linwood Drive. He frequently gave me little round watermelons over the fence. Good memories!
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