Vaden Robert Smith passed away January 29, 2023. Vaden was born in Morris, Oklahoma on March 19, 1939 to Vernon and Willine Smith. After graduating from Dale High School in 1957, Vaden worked for Gentry Farming in Shawnee and in the oilfields in New Mexico. Vaden proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. After leaving the Air Force he worked at Tinker Air Force base as a sheet metal mechanic and retired after 28 years. Vaden married Loretta on June 2, 1962 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Vaden is survived by his bride, Loretta of the home, daughter, Donna Smith of Shawnee, daughter, Darlene Smith of Perkins, and daughter and son-in-love, Deanna and Richard Clifton of Shawnee. Vaden’s favorite title was being called Grandpa and Poppy by Amber Peck and fiance Bo Adkins, Aaron Beams and wife Rachel, and Jacklyn and Jaden Clifton. He was a great-grandpa to Trigg Peck and Carson and Avery Beams.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Willine Smith, mother and father- in-law, Ben and Lena Herzel, brotherin- law, Jim Burfurd, David Allison, Larry Reppert, Jim and Mary Young, brother, Mike Smith and one son, Brian Robert after a short 12 hours of life.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service on Thursday, February 2nd from 8 am-7 pm with family present to greet friends from 5-7 pm. A funeral ceremony for Vaden will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 10:00 am at Wesley United Methodist Church. Following the ceremony, he will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee with military honors by the United States Air Force.
