John D. Smith

John D. Smith, 59 years old of Springvale, ME died Saturday, June 17, 2006 in Portland, ME.Mr. Smith was born on October 25, 1946 in Oakland, CA. He was the son of John W. Smith of Virginia, and the late Wilma (Bonsall) Smith. He was raised in Charles City, Iowa, and attended schools there. Following High School John joined the National Guard, and shortly after would enlist in the U.S. Navy.John was a career Naval Officer, retiring as Chief Petty Officer after over 20 years of dedicated service to his country. John was a demolitions expert, and concentrated in the field of aviation ordinance. He spent two tours in Vietnam, and spent a good portion of his time attached to the VP 26 Squadron at Brunswick Naval Air Base. Toward the end of his service he worked as a naval recruiter.After John retired from the navy he spent some time working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and driving bus for the local Community Action bus service.John was a big outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed watching and participating in sporting events when he could, and collecting rocks. John had a lively personality. He loved to joke around with others making them laugh and smile. He loved to spend time with his grandson Zachary, and his loving, caring nature will be missed by many, especially his morning coffee group at the Sunnyside Restaurant in Springvale.John gave of himself, and when confronted with his illness he bravely offered himself up to physicians as a test subject for new and experimental medicines, a true testament of his love for others.John was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Elks Lodge.John is survived by his wife Jeanne (Auger) Smith of Springvale, their sons John J. Smith of Sanford, Corey D. Smith of Springvale, a grandson Zachary D. Smith, a brother William Smith of Davenport, IA, a sister Dee Robertson also of Davenport; two stepbrothers, Phillip Varner of Sacramento, CA, Tracy Wenger of Davenport, IA, and several nieces and nephews.Visiting hours for John will be held this Wednesday, June 21, 2006 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale, ME; where services will be held on Thursday the 22nd at 11:00 AM.For those that desire, the family has requested that any memorials in Johns name be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Dr., Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607-3421.Condolences may be expressed by using the tab to the left.