Duncan Alfred Smith, Sr.

1SG (Ret) Duncan Alfred Smith, Sr. was born to Melvin and Margaret Smith on September 25, 1940 in Marine City, Michigan. He was the oldest of five children to include Chris, Frances, Sue, Melvin Jr. and Janie. His immediate family often referred to him by his nickname, Butch. Duncan was a Hillman High School Tiger alum, graduating in 1959. There he enjoyed sports such as football, hockey and track and field. In 1960, Duncan joined the United States Army following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He was a Combat Engineer with assignments at Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Irwin, CA, Ft. Belvoir, VA, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and in Germany, Korea and Vietnam. He went by the nickname “Smitty” during his professional military career. During an assignment to Germany, Duncan met his first wife Ursula and they had three children: Thomas, Michael and Diana. Duncan met his current love of his life Mun Cha in Seoul, Korea and they were blessed with two children: William and Duncan Jr. who both followed him into military service. After his assignment at Ft. Leonard Wood from 1978-1981, Duncan continued on with two more assignments while his family stayed in the local area. He returned to retire from the service in 1985 after 25 years in the Army and settled in Waynesville. Duncan served a distinguished and exceptional meritorious career in the United States Army and for his many sacrifices and selfless service he received numerous awards and citations. To include just a few: the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4 oak leaf clusters), the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. After his military career, he worked for the City of Waynesville and then as a DOD Civilian Contractor for various projects at Ft. Leonard Wood. He enjoyed the wilderness and being outdoors in general, as he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed squirrel, rabbit, turkey and deer hunting seasons with either shotgun, rifle, muzzle-loader and/or bow. In his youth, he enjoyed Pike fishing in Michigan and after retiring from military service in Missouri, he enjoyed competing in numerous large-mouth bass fishing tournaments. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He always had a glint in his eye and loved a good joke. Laughing heartily at himself was one of his favorite past-times. He will certainly be missed by all those that knew and loved him. Duncan passed away at 6:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 30, 2009 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, MO due to complications with his battle with cancer at the age of 69 years and 5 days. Duncan will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife Muncha Smith of the home; five children: Thomas, Michael, Diana, William and Duncan Jr.; three sisters: Chris, Sue and Janie all of the state of Michigan; one brother: Melvin Smith, Jr. of the state of Michigan. Graveside services with military honors were held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 6, 2009 in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery with CH (MAJ) Mark Levine officiating. Serving as escorts were CSM (Ret) Smith Cade, MSG (Ret) Carl Winningham, 1SG (Ret) Hector Mitchell, 1SG (Ret) Jesse Hernandez, Brian Robbins and Steve Hettick. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

Duncan Alfred Smith, Sr.

September 25, 1940 - September 30, 2009