Obituary for Eugene Smith

Eugene “Gene” Smith

February 18, 1938 – August 16, 2020

Eugene Norwood “Gene” Smith, age 82, long time resident of Shidler, OK, recently living in Ponca City, OK, passed away Sunday, August 16th 2020 at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax OK.

A graveside ceremony to celebrate Gene’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 20, 2020 at the Grandview Cemetery in Kaw City, Oklahoma with Pastor Don Stanton officiating.

Eugene was born on February 18, 1938 to Buck Norwood Smith and Jessie Maurine Smith in Shidler OK. Early in Eugene’s life his mother remarried Forest Edmond Disel “Mike” the couple raised Eugene along with his brother Richard Disel. Eugene attended Shidler Public schools’ and graduated from High School in 1957. He also attended Northern Oklahoma College, he loved sports and while at NOC he played basketball, baseball and football. Eugene Married Rosemary Billingsley and they had two children Kelly and James. Eugene served in the United States Army and then the Army National Guard of Oklahoma, he was honorably discharged from the ARMY in 1967. After discharge from the Army Eugene and Rosemary lived in Shidler OK. Eugene worked for the Shidler Telephone Company for many years until retirement. He volunteered for the Shidler Fire Department and served as Fire chief for many years. He later married Vicki Meador and they lived in Shidler OK for 34 years together until her death. Eugene was a tribal member of the Cherokee Nation; he was recognized by the Cherokee National Historical Society as a Life Member of the First Families of the Cherokee Nation and a direct descendant of Hercules Terrapin Martin. He was very proud of his Native American Heritage.

Eugene was an avid fisherman and sportsman and loved hunting, camping and boating with his family. His photograph was in the Outdoor Oklahoma magazine in November of 1985 hunting Jack Rabbits. He continued to enjoy sports playing golf with family and friends. He was an OU fan and loved watching the games with his children and grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and always loved using wit and humor with family and friends. He loved all of his family and getting together on Holidays. He loved going to Kilgore TX to the cousin’s family reunions and always learning more about his Indian heritage.

Survivors include brother Richard Disel, Children: Kelly Smith-Troutman of Ponca City, son James Smith and wife Susy Smith of Blackwell, son Dean Meador, daughter Christi Reneau and husband Ivan Reneau. Grandchildren: James “Tyler” Smith, Levi T. Troutman, Samantha Smith, Tanner Smith, Sarah Smith, Cady Smith, Neal Head and Denise Head, Kasie Head, Jayme Wolf and Kyle Wolf, Justin Head and Anne Head, Brad and Lauren Meador, Deana and Ryan Reid, Chip and Jordan Meader, Samantha Hallman, Lance Hallman, Andrea and Heath Thompkins. And many greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vicki Smith, daughter Kim Head, son Phillip Eugene Smith, daughter Kay Ellen Smith, great grandchildren Larric Preston Wolf, and Michael Dean Meador.

Memorial donations in Gene’s memory may be made to Faith Tabernacle Church, 501 S. 5th Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home