Bernard Smith, 94, Chanute, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center.
Bernard was born in Chanute, on May 1, 1919, the son of Boyd and Jessie (Keenan) Smith. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1938 and later graduated from Chanute JUCO. He played football for both schools. After graduating from Chanute JUCO he went to K-State for a year then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in Germany where he was a navigator on a B-17 bomber. He flew 25 missions and on mission 26 he was shot down over Germany and captured. He spent 18 months and 18 days as a prisioner of war in Stalag Luft III. Upon discharge he was awarded four bronze stars and achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
After the war he met and married Goldine (Sexton) Harding who was a local hairdresser. They were married on June 8, 1946. She preceded him death on Dec 11, 2011. He and Goldine traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe. He enjoyed hunting and fishing all of his life.
He was a member of the VFW Cecil J. Meeker Post 1654, American Legion Boerstler-May Post 170, Elks Lodge and Grace Episcopal Church.
He is survived by one sister, Elma Wright of Urbandale, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; one brother, Cecil Smith; and one sister, Helen McGuire.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Grace Episcopal Church. Following the memorial service the Chanute Honor Guard will perform military honors at Elmwood Cemetery in Chanute.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church and may be left with the funeral home. Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
James Smith
