“Smitty” was a resident of the Ava and Squires Smith Taylor Brown II, son of Smith Taylor Brown and Nancy Elizabeth (Pyle) Brown, was born on Jan. 11, 1919, in Pennsylvania and departed this life on April 1, 2006, in Ava, at the age of 87 years, 2 months and 20 days.
“Smitty” was a resident of the Ava and Squires community for several years. He served his country as a Medic/Flight Medic for 31 years with the U.S. Navy during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He had been awarded the three Purple Hearts and numerous other medals.
In 1994 “Smitty” and Leona Ryan were united in marriage in the state of Oregon. She preceded him in death in 1997. In 1998, “Smitty” and Marilyn C. Jennings were united in marriage in Laughlin, Nev. Marilyn preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 2005.
He was a member of the VFW in Oregon, the American Riflemans Assoc., The Muzzle Loaders Assoc. and The Bison Assoc. He had a passion for Colonel Days, guns, woodworking and gems.
“Smitty” was career military man. He worked very hard his whole life and loved serving his country and his family.
His survivors include five children and their spouses, Erica Nicole DeHaan and Rick, and Suzy Gartman, all of Ava, Charles Brian Theademan and Tanya, Big Bar, Calif., Charles David Theademan and Kim, Winlock, Wash., and Luci Denning, Tulsa, Okla.; 16 grandchildren, Tiffany, Andrew, Ricky, Cassandra, Laree, Shawn, Dusty, Dakota, Christopher, Jason, Dillon, Ashley, Tammy, Russell, Alana and Michael; six great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.
Memorial graveside service will be Friday, April 7, 2 p.m. at the Hall Cemetery at Mound with Greg Chamberlain officiating and full military honors by American Legion Post 112 and VFW Post 5993.
Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
