SMITH, Norman Ruel

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/10/2006 Norman Ruel Smith, 87, died in his sleep Oct. 4, 2006 after a final battle with cancer. He was born March 9, 1919 in Taylor Arizona. He married Margaret Elizabeth Bush in Saxlebye, England Sept. 2, 1944. Norman was a cattleman first and foremost. As a young man during the 1930's he worked for Bill Bourden on his ranch in the Taylor area and received a man's wage. He always gave credit to his stepfather, William Clark Baldwin for teaching him so much about the cattle business. Norman was barely a year old when his father, Silas Ruel Smith was killed in a tragic accident. Norman served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission from 1938-1940. Upon returning from his mission he joined the Army Air Corp and trained at Williams Air Force Base as a pilot in preparation for going overseas during World War II. He was assigned to the 50th Troop Carrier Squadron and attained the rank of Captain and senior pilot. He served in the battle campaigns of Sicily 1943, Northern France 1944, Naples-Foggia 1943-44, Rome-Arno 1944, the Normandy Invasion 1944 and the Rhineland 1945. Norman was among the approximately 40 percent of pilots and crews that survived those brutal campaigns. He always reminded his children of the precious price paid for freedom and to never forget the sacrifices of so many to keep that freedom during World War II. The greatest tribute paid to him was by his radioman, "he always got us back to the base. No matter what shape our plane was in, he always got us back home." Norman is survived by his sweetheart, Margaret; six children, Norman Russell (Gwen), Stewart Murray (Sheila), William Clark, Ernest Edward (Paula), Margaret Elizabeth (Andy) White and Cindy Katherine (Hal) Hatch; 25 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren and two more on the way. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Ida, Anona and Norma (his twin) and a half-brother, Van Baldwin. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Snowflake Stake Center, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a visitation from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Owens Mortuary in Snowflake. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce Dr., Lakeside, AZ 85929. Owens Mortuary of Snowflake handled arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.