More detail on this person: Dennis A. Smith
was born July 26, 1945, in National City,
California. He was raised in a naval military
family by Florence May and Drennen Gibbons Ikard.
His siblings include his elder brother Wyman Paul
Smith, younger sister, Pamela Jean Anderson and
youngest brother, James Neal Ikard Smith-- all of
California.
Upon completion of high school, Dennis attended
San Diego University then received his pilot's
wings in 1966 through the US Army Training
Command.
He was married to MaryAnn Johnston on June 3,
1967, at the Ft. Rucker Chapel in Alabama where
they began their military career. Dennis was a
Vietnam veteran and flew Chinooks in Colorado,
Germany and Hawaii. He retired from Ft. Hood in
1987 after 24 years of service. During his
service Dennis received numerous awards-- some of
which include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service
and the Air Medal with numeral 27. After receiving
his honorable discharge, Dennis flew helicopters
for various private oil companies in the Gulf of
Mexico and, after 22 years, retired again. He
began riding with the Central Texas Patriot Guard
12 years ago and found a home in their ranks.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, MaryAnn
Smith, his son, Derek B. Smith and
daughter-in-law, Kristi Smith and his eldest 3
granddaughters, Maegan, Maddy and Molly of
Oklahoma City; his daughter, Diedhre K. and
son-in-law, Chuck Smack, and his 3 youngest
granddaughters, Isabel, Corinne and Alysse of
Belton, TX. Extended family includes Wayne and
Nancy Halbrook, Kerry Fellers, Courtney and David
Holley and their children, Brandon and Emma.
Knowing Dennis well, meant that you became part
of his extended family--whether you were a fellow
rider or a neighbor, he claimed you and loved you
well.
In lieu of condolences, please send all donations
to the Wounded Warrior Project in his honor. This
is an organization Dennis believed in and
regularly supported.
The following from Derek Smith: Just had his
motorcycle inspected and oil changed in
anticipation of a Patriot Guard mission when a
careless driver changed lanes and clipped him from
behind. They were approaching highway speeds
when he was sent rolling.
True story: he was revived by first responders
just long enough for him to ask them to say
"please let my wife know I love her".
He protected his family and provided well for my
mom in his absence. He loved his country and his
motorcycle. He passed doing something he loved.
We should all be so lucky.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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