Harold Evan Smith (“Hal”) 81, of Tulsa, Oklahoma went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Hal was born October 1, 1942, to Otis and Elizabeth Smith in Shidler, Oklahoma. He graduated from Eunice High School in Eunice, New Mexico. While there, he played baseball and was involved in various activities. He served in student council and as class vice president. He continued his education at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Early on, he was employed as a safety engineer for Reliance Insurance Company. He then went to work for Boren Safety Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he was as a sales manager for many years. He finished his working years as sales manager for Medsafe in Tulsa, Ok as well. After “retiring” he decided he wasn’t quite ready to stop, so he went to work for Louis V. Lepak in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he drove a mail truck to deliver bulk mail to US Post offices in various towns in Oklahoma.
Hal faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Core Reserves and the United States Army Reserves, where he rose to the rank of Captain. He was honorably discharged in 1979.
Hal met the love of his life, Donna (Bowen) Smith, and they married on December 30, 1967. They would have celebrated 56 years of marriage this December. Hal and Donna wasted no time starting a family. Their daughter Lisa was born 11 months later, and then a few years after welcomed their son Brian.
He took a big interest in his kid’s extracurricular activities. He served on the Sapulpa Wrestling Board in the early 80’s while his son wrestled for the organization. He was a tee ball coach for his sons team. You could also find him at many soccer games, basketball games and all of his daughters dance recitals, as well.
Hal loved to travel any chance he got. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family to several of the US parks and many of the nation’s points of interest. He also had a great fondness for trains and tried to plan trips centered around them. He visited most of the states over his lifetime, with the exception of a few. He also loved watching NASCAR Racing and was able to attend the Indianapolis 500 and the Texas 500 in person.
He was a hardworking, intelligent and witty man, with a great sense of humor and a heart of gold. He was quick to help anyone who needed it.
Hal was extremely proud of his two grandsons, Matt and Chris, and loved them dearly.
He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents Otis and Elizabeth Smith of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and his brother, Bill Smith, of Texas.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Donna, of Tulsa, Ok. His son Brian Smith of Tulsa, Ok. His daughter Lisa Nichols and husband Kelly of Sapulpa, Ok. His grandsons Matthew Nichols and Christopher Nichols, both of Sapulpa, Ok and a host of family and friends.
Honorary Pallbearers are Matthew Nichols, Christopher Nichols, Johnie Bristow, Bart Curry, Bill Bowen and Frank Curry.
A Celebration of Life visitation was held on October 26th at Traditions Funeral Chapel in Kellyville, Oklahoma.
Arrangements were under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, OK.