Edgar A. 'Ed' Smith

WILLIAMSPORT - Edgar A. “Ed” Smith, 74, died on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre. Edgar was born in West Lake, LA on March 31, 1937 and was the son of the late Robert and Minerva (Slatter) Smith. He had graduated from Washington High School in Lake Charles and attended Columbia College in Missouri. He had joined the US Army and served two tours in Vietnam. He retired from the service as a SSG after 24 years service. He married the former Bessie M. (Diggs) on May 3, 1974, who survives and have celebrated 37 years of marriage. Edgar was a member of the Zion AME Church, Disabled Veterans Association, American Legion and the Golden K Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed traveling, reading the bible, gardening, Zydeco music, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his wife Bessie, he is survived by two sons; Albert J. Smith of New Orleans and Kelvin Smith of Houston, TX, three daughters; April Stewart of Williamsport and Tracy Clark and Rhonda Landry, both of Lake Charles, LA, 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one brother; Alvin Smith of Lake Charles, LA, two sisters; Frances Syas of Westlake, LA and Annie Lee of Lake Charles, LA and one uncle; Albert Slater. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers; Harry, Fred and Robert, Jr. and two sisters; Molly Smith and Lucille Gibson. There will be a public viewing from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, 331 Elmira St., Williamsport. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Lake Charles, LA