Othar Smith passed away on September 18, 2018, at the age of 96 in the presence of his close friend and caretaker, Earvin Burgie, and his faithful beloved dog, Lulu. He was preceded in death by his parents, Seabron Edgar and Zeorbria Etta Smith; and son, John Wharton Smith. Othar is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Alice Smith; a son, O. Dan Smith of St. Louis, Missouri; a daughter, Pamela Alice Smith-Byrd and her husband, Dr. Charles R. Byrd, of Shreveport, Louisiana; four grandchildren, Dr. Ron Byrd and his wife, Hannah, of Austin, Texas; Mary May and her husband, Brooks May, of Shreveport, Louisiana; Jim Pat Byrd; Brooks Byrd of Austin, Texas; and seven great-grandchildren, Hayden Byrd, Patrick Byrd, Porter May, Elizabeth May, Michael Byrd, Charlie Byrd, and Brookfield Byrd.
Othar was born in Junction City, Louisiana, graduating from Junction City High School in 1942. He enlisted in the United States Navy on July 6, 1942, where he was attached as a medic with Company E, 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Recon) during World War II. He received his initial training at Hospital Corps School, San Diego, and Naval Hospital Bremerton in Washington State. His tours of duty included Auckland, New Zealand, Guadalcanal, Guam, and Enewetak Atoll, all in the Southwestern Pacific Region. He also served in California, Florida, and Louisiana, stateside. He returned to the El Dorado area after his discharge from service on October 3, 1945. He later graduated from Tyler Business School in Tyler, Texas, and Louisiana Technical Institute in Ruston, Louisiana.
Othar was employed at Kavanaugh Motors as an office manager when he first met his wife, Mary Alice, who worked at the nearby Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in downtown El Dorado. Othar and Mary Alice married on July 10, 1949.
Othar was reactivated into service with the United States Navy in 1950. He and his wife relocated to the Naval Air Station Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, California, during the Korean Conflict. He served his remaining tour stateside until his discharge in 1952.
The Smith family returned to El Dorado where he was employed at Murphy Oil Corp. He retired from his position as the manager of production and exploration operations in the accounting department in December of 1986 after 25 years of service.
Othar served the VFW and its causes for more than 48 years. He served in several offices with the VFW, including district commander and state chief of staff, and VFW Post 2413’s local commander and quartermaster. For many years, he provided vigorous fostering and directions for the VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship programs, other patriotic holiday programs, the display of flags throughout the community, and various programs focused on honoring the men and women of America’s armed forces.
Othar also maintained a full and active service to the community and his affiliated organizations throughout his retirement. He had more than 50 years of associated membership with Masonic Lodge No. 13 and the Scimitar Shriners in South Arkansas. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Theater Sunday School Class.
Othar was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and hunter. He loved to be outside regardless of the elements and the hardships. In his later years, he worked hard maintaining his yard and home-garden, assisted by Lulu’s mindful guarding and Earvin’s meticulous gardening.
Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. today at Young’s Funeral Home, 508 Champagnolle, El Dorado, Arkansas. The family will receive friends after the service in the Magnolia Room.
An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.