News Summary
Lieutenant Colonel Everett Alan Smith (Ret.) passed away just before his 95th birthday. A remarkable Army officer and beloved community figure, Smith’s legacy includes over 20 years of military service and a life dedicated to his family and neighborhood. Known for his warmth, humor, and culinary talents, he impacted many lives in San Antonio, where he became affectionately known as the ‘Mayor of Encino Rio.’ His military accolades reflect his commitment to duty, and a celebration of his life will be held in July.
San Antonio, Texas – Lieutenant Colonel Everett Alan Smith (Ret.) passed away on April 30, 2025, just days before his 95th birthday. He was a highly regarded Army officer, devout family man, and a cherished community figure known for his warmth and humor. Smith’s death marks the loss of a remarkable individual who dedicated over two decades of service to his country and made a lasting impact on his neighborhood.
Born on May 9, 1930, in Mangum, Oklahoma, Smith was the third of five children born to Everett Aaron Smith and Verda Juanita Kelley Smith. Remarkably, he was the only sibling to be born in a hospital and was also the only one captured wearing shoes in the family’s treasured portrait. Growing up in the Hester farming community, he contributed significantly to his family’s agricultural duties.
Smith graduated from Mangum High School in 1948 and subsequently joined the Oklahoma National Guard. He later attended Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College (now known as Oklahoma State University) after receiving a $100 scholarship from the Hester Women’s Farm Club. While in college, he worked various jobs, including egg candler and service station attendant, and humorously recounted moments related to his role as an occasional bootlegger.
In 1952, he earned his ROTC commission and established himself as a skilled rodeo bronc rider and a licensed pilot. Smith married Elva Rose Horton in 1950, with his proposal distinguished by a humorous remark about needing to not disappoint his family. The couple enjoyed a long and loving marriage that lasted over 74 years, sharing 27,281 days together at the time of his passing.
Smith served in the Army Corps of Engineers as an aviator, with his military career taking him to various global locations, including Vietnam, Korea, Iran, Japan, Libya, and Colombia. His service also included temporary duty assignments in Panama, Ethiopia, and Sudan. After retiring from the military in 1973 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Smith had an impressive flight record of over 5,000 hours, including more than 150 hours in combat zones, flying various aircraft such as the UH-1 Huey, OH-13 Sioux, and C-47 Skytrain.
His military accolades included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and two Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses, reflecting his exemplary service to the nation.
After leaving military service, Smith returned to farming in Altus, Oklahoma, before fully retiring. In his later years, he moved to Laguna Vista near South Padre Island, Texas, before eventually settling in San Antonio in 2001. There, he endeared himself to the community, earning the affectionate title of the “Mayor of Encino Rio.” Known for hosting neighborhood gatherings and inviting neighbors over for drinks, he became a surrogate grandfather to many local children.
Smith was recognized for his culinary talents as well, particularly for his delicious peanut brittle, banana bread, and rum cake, which he often shared with friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his beloved wife Elva, brother Kenneth, sister Maxine, daughter Cynthia, and sons Rhett, Brian, Dusty, along with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A military service with honors is scheduled for June 4, 2025, at 11 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In honor of Smith’s life, a celebration will be held on July 19, 2025, in San Antonio, where members of the Black Circle Club are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged for charities in his memory, continuing his legacy of kindness and community spirit.
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- Dignity Memorial: Everett Smith
- Wikipedia: Everett
- J Henry Stuhr: Malcolm Everett Doc Smith Jr.
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- Dignity Memorial: Everett Smith Obituary
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- J Henry Stuhr: Everett Smith
- Google News: Everett Smith Death
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
