Richard E. Smith

MILTON - Richard E. Smith, 85, died on Friday, December 05, 2008 at the Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg. He was the loving husband of Ruth R. (Renfer) Smith to whom he was married to for 60 years. Richard was born on March 29, 1923 in West Pittston and was the son of the late Clarence W. and Bess (VanScoy) Smith. He was a graduate of West Pittston High School and received his Bachelors Degree from Mansfield University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during WWII. He was an Instrumental Music Teacher for the Pine Grove High School, Milton Area School District and then retired from the Warrior Run High School in 1982. He was a member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milton, American Legion, Kiwanis and the Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity and was a choir director for several churches over the years. Richard was an avid golfer, reader and bridge player. He was an accomplished trombone and bassoon player. In addition to his wife Ruth, he is survived by one daughter and son-in-law; Linda R. and Lee Hess of New Columbia and one granddaughter; Lindsay E. Hess of New Columbia. There will be a public viewing 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2008 at the Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service, 125 N. Front St., Milton with a military service at 7p.m. by the American Legion followed by the funeral service with the Reverend Cheryl L. Berner officiating. Burial will be held in the Memorial Shrine Park, Wyoming, PA at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 Mahoning St., Milton, PA 17847.