Harold W. Smith

Harold W. Smith

November 30, 1929 — February 17, 2019

Harold W. Smith, 89, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. He was born on Nov. 30, 1929, in Sweetwater, Texas, to George Allen and Annie Maye (Costephens) Smith. Harold was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Malcolm Smith. Harold was always very proud of his brother, whose B-24 was shot down while on his 46th bombing mission during World War II.

Although Harold had no surviving relatives, he was loved and supported by a large group of friends and neighbors in Burnet, Texas. Harold was a highly accomplished and respected pilot with more than 60 years and 20,000 hours of flight time that all started in 1939 with a 15-minute ride in a Piper Cub.

Most notably, Harold is remembered in the aviation community for founding the Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force in 1991 and serving as its first leader. Harold was a gentleman, always kind and helpful to everyone he encountered. He will be missed.

A memorial celebrating his life will be held at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Burnet on Saturday, March 30. More details on the memorial will be announced as they become available.