Lonnie Smith

Dr. Lonnie L. Smith, 85, passed from this world in Hobbs, November 29, 2017. He was born in Electra, TX in 1932 to Lee and Shirley Smith.

He is survived by his wife Winell Smith, son; Mark Smith and wife Melanie, son; Michael Smith, and wife; Karen, granddaughters; Katherine and Meghan Smith.

He joined the Navy after graduating from High School in Monahans, TX. After serving in the Navy for 5 years he attended North Texas State University where he received his Bachelors and Masters in Education. In January 1957 he married Odena Winell Towles and began his teaching career in Dallas. Lonnie moved to Fremont, CA in 1965 and taught high school welding and metal shop. 15 years later he stated he finally graduated from high school. He moved to Hobbs after accepting the position of head of the welding department at New Mexico Junior College. Lonnie loved teaching at NMJC and frequently stated he wished he had started there. He received his PHD in Welding Technology in 1986 from Columbia Pacific University in CA. Lonnie Smith retired from NMJC in 1997 after a 40-year teaching career. He had a successful pecan cracking business in retirement. Lonnie was very active with First Baptist Church.

Visitation

Chapel of Hope
3321 N. Dal Paso
Hobbs, NM  88240
Sunday, December 3, 2017
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Chapel of Hope
3321 N. Dal Paso St.
Hobbs, NM  88240
Monday, December 4, 2017
10:00 am

Cemetery

Andrews Cemetery
Andrews, TX

Memorial Contributions

Gideons Bible International
P.O. Box 1481
Hobbs, NM  88240