Nowata Star
126 E. Cherokee St.
Nowata, OK 74048
March 21, 2001
Permission for archiving obituaries given by Phillip Reid, Publisher

Graveside services for Earl Lawrence Smith, 80, a longtime resident of the Nowata and Bartlesville area, who died Wednesday, March 14, 2001 in the Bartlesville Care Center, were held Saturday, March 17 in the Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery with Ben Killion officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata.

Earl began this life April 4, 1920 in Wayside as the son of Louis Earl and Patsy Lavina Franklin Smith. Earl spent his early years at Wayside where he began his education. He ended his formal education at Copan High School. He met and later was united in marriage with Aldea Leona Archambo on November 20, 1937 at Nowata. Earl served his country with the U.S. Navy during World War 2. He drove a taxi for a time during the early part of his marriage; but , worked 42 years for the Gas Service Company before retiring as Manager. He was a member of Hillside Christian Church in Nowata, the VFW and the Rotary Club. Earl served as a volunteer fireman in Nowata for 20 years. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. Lately he had made his home in Bartlesville.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Aldea L. Smith of the home; by one son, Curtis E. Smith of Derby, Kansas; three daughters: Carol Tomlinson of Collinsville; Judy Ostrander of Allen, Texas and Toni Crume of Bartlesville; by his mother, Pansy L. Stewart of Coffeyville, Kansas; one sister, Mitzie Summers of Bartlesville; fourteen grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; by other relatives and his many friends.

Earl was preceded in death by his father, Louis Earl Smith; by three brothers: Glenn, Carl and Merle Smith; by one sister, Hazel Woods and by two grandsons: Andy Tomlinson and Eric Derryberry.