Edwin Lewis (Eddy) Smethers, died peacefully at Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on April 28, 2017, at the age of 90. Eddy was born in the family home, Ponca City on June 4, 1926, to Jess J. and Myrtle (Rixie) Smethers. He attended Ponca City schools and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1944. He served onboard the USS Alabama (BB 60) during the closing months of WW II. While on board the “Lucky A” he was assigned to #7 gun mount for General Quarter Battle Station. He participated in the bombardment of Okinawa and was present in Tokyo Bay for the treaty signing ceremony of Japan’s surrender. He also served on board the USS Bonham Richard (CV 31). Following his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Eddy returned to Ponca City. In 1947, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves and was stationed in New Orleans and Antigua Island.
Eddy met the love of his life, Noel, while showing off on his beloved Red Indian Chieftan Motorcycle at Lake Ponchartrain. They were married 63 years. They both loved motorcycling and traveled to 49 States, 7 Canadian Provinces and ventured into Mexico. Eddy was a lifelong motorcycle rider and member of the BMW Owner’s Motorcycle Association. He and Noel won various awards for Oldest Bike, Rider and Passenger categories.
Eddy began working for Cities Service and upon his retirement from Conoco, he joined Noel in their business, Playpen Ceramics, until their total retirement in 1998. Eddy was also the grounds keeper for the Ponca City Soccer Fields keeping the fields perfectly groomed and lined for the soccer season.
Eddy was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church. He was a St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan and attended his first live game for his 90th birthday, unfortunately, they lost but he still had a great time.
Eddy is survived by his daughter, Stella (Susie) and husband, Michael Faas of Roseburg, Oregon, and his son, Lewis (Bubba) Smethers, of Ponca City. He has 3 grandchildren, Jeremy Hall and wife, Acacia, of Broken Arrow, Sean Smethers and Emily Thompson of Ponca City, and Stella Michele Hauser and husband Kenney of San Diego, California. He has 6 great-grandchildren, Stella Duffield; Keira Noel and Keegan Dwight Hauser and Estella Marie (Stella) Smethers, Savannah Thompson and Joey Davis. He is also survived by 1 brother, Jess Smethers of Oklahoma City and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Noel, by his parents, 3 sisters, Aliene Collins, Letta Doughtery, Evelyn Young and one brother Richard Smethers.
A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Monday, May 22 at 10:00. The family would like to thank the staff of Ponca City Nursing Home and Hospice Staff for their loving and caring kindness they provided to our father. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ponca City Soccer Association. Remembrances may be shared online at www.stittsworthfuneralservices.com.
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