Herschel C. Smith

Herschel C. Smith, 83, of Rossville, died at 11:39 a.m. April 22, 2007, at his residence.

Born Oct. 15, 1923, in Mulberry, he was the son of Ray H. and Elsie Edith Clauser Smith. He was married on June 6, 1948, in Pyrmont, to Marian Fossnock, who survives.

Mr. Smith was a farmer and lifelong resident of the Rossville area. He was one of the 18 people who started the original ninehole Angel Hill Golf Course at Rossville.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served from 1943 to 1946. He was a staff sergeant in the 11th Airborne Division, one of the first troops to escort General McArthur into Japan for the unconditional surrender.

He was a member of Rossville Presbyterian Church; Rossville Lions Club; American Legion, serving as a past commander; and district supervisor of Soil Conservation. He was a former member and past master of the Rossville Masonic Lodge.

Surviving with his wife are a son, Scott J. Smith of Lafayette; a sister, Irene Garner of Frankfort; four grandchildren, Josh, Jessica, Michael and Dakota Smith; and one great-grandchild, Skylar Smith.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Bodine Funeral Home, Rossville. Pastor Robert McAulay will officiate. Burial will be at Rossville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer and American Heart associations.

On-line condolences may be directed to bodinefuneralhomes@ yahoo.com.