Vaden Robert Smith

Vaden Robert Smith passed from this life on Sunday, January 29, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 83.  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 is one out of eight brothers and sisters.  Those that had the privilege of calling him brother are Carol and David Allison, Margaret Tucker, Wilma and Larry Reppert, Linda Nirschl, Gary and Dottie Smith, Fred and Paulette Smith, and Mike and Wanda Smith.  He was a brother-in-love to Wanda and Jim Burfurd, Duke and Mary Herzel, Mary and Jim Young, and Larry and Nancy Herzel.  He was lovingly called Uncle Vaden by 31 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Vaden married the love of his life Loretta on June 2, 1962 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Vaden and Loretta have been married for 61 years and created a loving family.  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.

Vaden was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee for over 50 years.  He was a true servant of God.  Vaden is well known for making us all laugh and making the best homemade ice cream.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Willine Smith, mother and father-in-law, Ben and Lena Herzel, brother-in-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 Wednesday, February 1st from 1 pm-5 pm and 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. 

Casketbearers will be: Richard Clifton, Aaron Beams, Brandon Smith, Travis Smith, Chad Smith, and Tommy Talley.

Honorary Casketbearers will be: Fred Smith, Gary Smith, Mike Smith, and Mike Rooker.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Loving Care Hospice of Shawnee.

Boomer Sooner!