Harvey E. Smith

Harvey Edward Smith entered life on June 4, 1924 in New Braunsfels, Texas. He was the only child of Dorothy Carolyn Louise Arnold Smith and Edward Dave Smith. They took Harvey on an overnight fishing party along the Guadalupe River when he was a "mere" 9 weeks old. So began his love of the outdoors. He told the story on a local radio station of how he and other Boy Scouts explored a bat cave on Bear Creek Road. Saying the cave had been emptied of the bat during the Civil War. It had been used to make gun powder. Later he stated, "We were foolish kids! We didn't even have a lantern or a rope along." Upon graduation from New Braunfels High School in June of 1943, he went into the Army Air Corp. His ambition to be a fighter pilot was cut short when the developed vertigo. He was then trained as a radio mechanic operator. He completed military service in Missoula Montana as a radio mechanic instructor in February 1946. As a young man returning from the military service, he worked with the Monument Works in San Antonio, Texas. During this time, he cut the anti-slip grooves in the marble steps of the old New Braunfels post office. After designing non-reflective windows for a photography studio in New Braunfels, the idea of tilted-recessed window panes became popular in San Antonio as well. He honed drafting skills, which he excelled in, while working at the lumberyard in New Braunfels. He married Marilyn Annette Doehne, daughter of Hilmar (John) Doehne and Hilda Adele Bartels, on Nov 23, 1946. Together they built a life for themselves and their two daughters. Working with Civil Service in San Marcos, he transferred to Victoria, Texas. After being there for two years, the family transferred to Biggs Air Force Base, El Paso, Texas for 10 years. Another transfer brought the family to Gallup, New Mexico. As they neared retirement, Harvey & Marilyn bought a five acre apple orchard in Montrose, Colorado; thus fulfilling a lifelong dream. They combined their initials to name their apple orchard "MASHES ACRES". They built a home there and spent time tending the orchard, growing flowers and vegetable gardens. Fall was a busy time with apple harvest. Many hunters would stop for apples on their way home. He drafted plans and helped with the construction of not only the remodeling of the sanctuary of the Methodist Church where they worshiped, but also an outside access ramp for the handicap members. As Marilyn's health declined, they moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico to be nearer to family. Five years later, she passed away, ending their 58 years of marriage. Shortly after Marilyn's death, Harvey moved back to the hill country of Texas. He was awarded the Certificate of Significant Achievement of the American Legion for being a member continuously for the past 67 years on March 17, 2012. He was very proud of his award. I can't remember a day that the flag didn't fly in his front yard. On the morning my mother died, he got up at 6:00, just as always to put the flag out. Following a recent surgery in New Braunfels, Texas, he returned to Hobbs to be with the family who truly loved and wanted him. His life's journey ended on December 30th, 2012. He will be remembered for his exceptional abilities. As an only child, his mother taught him the skills of cooking, sewing, and housekeeping. She reported that when she and Eddie (his dad) would hunt small game to provide meat for the family, he would have busied himself after school cleaning house and preparing a hot meal for his folks to return to. His quick wit and humor invited laughs from his family and acquaintances. As a skilled craftsman and mechanic, he had the ready ability to build or fix most everything. He was quick to lend a hand whenever he could be it sewing a quilt or building a car engine. He was an avid rock hound, who enjoyed using his diamond rock saw to see what pattern lay within his find. He was an accomplished fisherman and hunter as well. Most of all, he was our beloved Dad and Opa, who taught us about life. In the end, he died with honor and pride. He is survived by two daughters both of Hobbs, New Mexico. Virga Ann Morris and her husband, Jerry and daughter, Celesta Lyn Stewart. Celesta's husband, Garland, preceded Harvey in death in 1993. Harvey is also survived by seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren: Tamara Rae Sanchez and husband, Ronnie Sanchez, of Kearney, NE; their sons, Brett, and Jeremy; daughter, Isabella. Justin Morris and wife Leslie, of Hobbs, NM and Justin's sons, Kane and Gage. Joelene Adele Morris of Hobbs, NM. Ena Carol Savage and husband, Bill, of Hobbs, their children Ty, Jett, and Sadie. Shawn Travis Stewart and wife, Sherry, of Portales, NM their children, Landen and Lexie. Stacy Delynn Durham and husband, Sean, of Craig, Colorado. Westen Dave Stewart and wife, Shandy, of Artesia, NM and daughters, Carmen & Cambri. Heartfelt thanks to our cousin, Donna Smith, for bringing joy and enthusiasm to dad's life. Wish to the staff and doctors at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, and the New Braunfels Rehabilitation Hospital in New Braunfels, Texas; also Dr. Kahn and the staff at Lea Regional Hospital. A heartfelt appreciation to not only the nurses, but also the aids of Hobbs Health Care and Vista Hospice Service, for their tireless care and respect shown to our father. Our family wanted to thank all those who prayed for Opa and our families. Donations can be made to the American Legion, 2605 Legion Avenue, Carlsbad, NM 88220 or a charity of your choice. Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 3, 2012 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Savage officiating. Burial will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.