Howard Smith

Howard Vernon Smith, age 85 of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away Monday, March 18, 2019 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Albert Lea. Howard was born on July 31, 1933, in Austin, Minnesota, to John and Elise (Davis) Smith. He grew up and attended school in Austin. On December 29, 1950, Howard enlisted into the United States Air Force. On February 11, 1952, he married Shirley Ann True.  Howard was honorably discharged from the Air Force on January 11, 1954. In 1987, Howard and Shirley moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota. He worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for 17 years. He was a member of Crane Community Chapel, American Legion in Albert Lea, and a former member of the Moose in Austin and Albert Lea. Howard enjoyed fishing, camping, loved to play cards, and bowled on a league. He also enjoyed Sunday dinners, and the holidays, he always enjoyed decorating for Christmas, and making homemade cranberry sauce. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his children, Betty (Jim) Price of Onamia, MN, Barb Hoyt of Albert Lea, MN, Becky Ryerson of Mankato, MN, Bonnie (Ray) Anderson of Albert Lea, MN, Brenda (Jay) Johnson of Albert Lea, MN; 11 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Jack (Marilyn) Smith of California, Sylvia Warren of Janesville, WI, Sharon (Ed) Stevens of Belvidere, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Smith; wife, Shirley Smith in 1997; son, Ricky Smith; sons-in-law, Larry Hoyt, Gary Ryerson; 3 grandchildren, Julia Seha, Jessica Haskin, Bobby Seha; and brother-in-law, Bruce Warren.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2019 at Crane Community Chapel in Austin with Pastor Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Oakwood cemetery at a later date. Military honors by the American Legion Post 91 and V.F.W. Post 1216. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.