More detail on this person: Joe Van
Smitherman, 74, of Longview, Texas passed away
December 21, 2010 at Margaret's House following a
long battle with cancer.
Joe Van was born October 6, 1936 in Longview,
Texas. He attended Judson High School, and
graduated from Texas A&M in 1958. Upon
graduation, he was commissioned as a Second
Lieutenant in the United States Army, and attended
Rotary Wing Aviator School in Fort Wolters, Texas.
Following his graduation, he was assigned to the
aviation unit at Miller Field on Staten Island,
New York. He met his wife Linda Wilson
Smitherman while there, and they were married
February 11, 1961.
Joe Van continued his career in the Army, serving
his country for more than two decades. He helped
pioneer the use of helicopters by the Army. He
completed two tours of duty in Viet Nam, serving
as a Helicopter Pilot, Infantry Liason Officer and
Company Commander in the 1st Air Cavalry
Division. For his service he was awarded the
Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, two
Air Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
He also served two tours in Korea.
After retiring from the Army, Joe Van worked on
the family farm raising cattle. He was the
Scoutmaster of Troop 620 for 30 years and served
as the Troop Chairman until he passed away.
He is survived by his wife, Linda W. Smitherman,
sons Jody Smitherman, wife Cynthia, and
granddaughter Matney; Mark Smitherman, wife
Sarah, grandson Taylor and granddaughter Meghan;
Jeffery Smitherman, wife Nagelle and grandsons
Cullen, Jack and Nate. He is also survived by an
extensive family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Joe Van was preceded in death by his father
Joseph C. Smitherman, and mother Ollie B
Smitherman.
A visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home on
27 December from 6 to 8 pm.. Services will be
held at Winterfield United Methodist Church on
Tryon Road at 2:00 pm on the 28th of December. In
lieu of flowers, memorials to Winterfield United
Methodist Church or Margaret's House are
requested.
From: Brian Foote
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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