1923 – 2014

LEWISTON — John J. Smith, 91, of Gott Road in Wayne, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Marshwood Center.

He was born in Greene, Iowa, on Feb. 18, 1923, the son of John and Nina (Shultz) Smith. John graduated from Greene High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

He served his country for more than 20 years during World War II, Korea and Vietnam, retiring as a lieutenant commander. John and his son, Steve, both served on the USS Hornet, John in World War II and Steve in Vietnam.

After his service, John went to the University of Maine in Orono and received his bachelor’s degree in education. He was a science teacher at Livermore Falls High School for many years, until his retirement.

John’s passion was flying his Cessna 150, his “square tail” airplane. He was a lifetime member of Bowman Field Flying Club. He was also an avid sports fan who followed the Boston Red Sox, the Patriots and the local high school basketball teams.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Belanger Smith, of Winthrop; a grandson, Christopher Smith and his wife, Eva Troyb, of Owings Mills, Md.; a granddaughter, Nicole Kelly and her husband, Sean, of Roseville, Minn.; a great-grandson, Colin Kelly; his nephews, Melvin Rash and his wife, Elaine, of Moline, Ill., Michael Squires and his wife, Claudia, and Joseph Squires and his wife, Louise, all of Greene, Iowa; a niece, Mary Lou Ott and her husband, Dennis, of Greene, Iowa; two stepdaughters, Sandy St. Hilaire and her husband, David, of Winthrop and Cheryl Trow and her husband, Dan, of Augusta; six stepgrandchildren; 11 great-stepgrandchildren; one great-great-stepgrandson; and a sister-in-law, Arlene Ridley and family. A special thanks to Bill and Brenda Ridley of Oakland; and the dialysis family, his very special friends.

John was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Ridley Smith; a son, Stephen Roger Smith; and daughter-in-law, Laurel Pray Smith.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

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