Arthur P. Smith, Sr. 92, Watertown, passed away on Saturday, July 29th at Samaritan Medical Center where he had been a patient since July 26th.
The funeral service will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 2nd at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Brookside Cemetery with Military Honors. Calling hours will precede the service at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 am. A Luncheon at VFW 1400 in Watertown will follow the burial.
Arthur was born on December 27th, 1924 in Watertown, a son to Robert and Minnie Carson Smith and attended Watertown schools.
He was a WWII veteran serving with the Headquarters Squadron 313th Bomb Wing in the Philippine Islands where he was awarded the Philippine Independence Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He then attended Bombardier School in Texas.
Upon discharge, Arthur married Doris M. Kiblin and worked at the New York Air Brake for 45 years as an inspector. He retired at the age of 65.
Arthur was Post Commander at VFW 1400 in Watertown along with his son, Ronald, where they were the only father-son pair to be commanders at the Watertown Post.
Arthur enjoyed spending time at his hunting camp and fishing.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Doris Smith, their three children: Ronald (Penny), Arthur Jr. (companion Mel), Dennis Sr. (Sabrina) and Dennis Jr. (Heather), a grandson raised as their son. He has seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com