Jean B. Smith

Jean Ballard Smith, 87, of Flora, passed away at 2:35 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, at Milner Commun ity Healthcare Center in Rossville.

He was born May 1, 1920, in Flora, to Jesse O. and Vera L. Ballard Smith. He graduated from Flora High School in 1938. On Feb. 23, 1941, at the Flora First Christian Church, he married Elaine Roll and she survives.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1944-1946. While in the Navy, he was sent to Purdue University for training in electrical engineering. He was assigned to the carrier vessel escort, the USS Kula Gulf.

After returning from the Navy, he joined his father and other family members in Smith Construction, a company started by his grandfather, Aden Smith, in 1912. Initially Smith Construction built bridges and poured concrete footings, and later did only road construction.

Mr. Smith eventually became co-owner of Smith Construction Co. He was also a co-owner of Delphi Limestone Quarry.

Mr. Smith and his wife have wintered in Florida since 1976. He was a member of both the Flora First Christian Church and the Tropical Sands Christian Church. He served as deacon, elder and chairman of the board at the Flora church.

He was also a member of the Flora Masonic Lodge #605, Scottish Rite #32, the Shriners, American Legion Post #222 and the Flying Farmers of Indiana.

Surviving with his wife are two daughters, Janalie S. Robeson (husband: Maurice) of Flora and Arlene L Pifer (husband: Larry) of Roseville, Mich.; five grandchildren, Miriam Robeson (husband: David Pickens), Michele Robeson Howard (husband: David Howard), Christian Craig (wife: Teresa), Jana Mendoza (husband: Tony), and Joshua Craig (wife: Denise Butler); and eight great-grandchildren, Samantha Pickens, Benjamin Pickens, Caitlin Pickens, Alyson Banks, Naomi Mendoza, Rachael Craig, Gabriel Craig, and Jaelyn Craig.

Two brothers preceded him in death.

Services were held Tuesday morning at the Flora First Christian Church with Pastor Sam Davenport officiating. Burial was at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Flora.

Memorials may be made to either the Flora First Christian Church or the Tropical Sands Christian Church.

Reinke Funeral Home, Flora, was in charge of arrangements.