Luther Carl Smith was born May 13, 1916 in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma to Joseph E. and Elizabeth Keller Smith. He passed away in Elk City, Oklahoma on September 14, 2011 at the age of 95.
Luther grew up in Roger Mills County attending grade school at Red Star. He attended high school in Leedey graduating with the class of 1934. After high school Luther moved to Colorado to work as a ranch hand near Cortez for a short time before moving to Los Angeles, California. While in California, Luther worked building airplanes for Douglas aircraft. In the late 1930's Luther moved back to Roger Mills County and went back to ranching.
On June 5, 1940 Luther was united in marriage to Nell McLean at Cheyenne, Oklahoma. To this union two children were born, Gary Mack and Glenda Nell. Nell passed away on November 5, 1969. On March 9, 1973 Luther married Helen Welty at the Welty home in Roger Mills County. One child, Zack Wayne, was born to this union. Luther remained in the Red Star community throughout his married life.
Luther was baptized as a young boy at Red Star Brethren in Christ Church, by the first minister, Ira Engel. Luther farmed and ranched most of his life. In his early years of married life he supplemented his income by working as a roughneck in the oilfield.
Luther was a very talented artist and draftsman, and enjoyed working with his hands. He also enjoyed singing and had a fine singing voice. Luther loved gospel music.
Luther was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Smith; wife, Nell Smith; four sisters and five brothers.
Those left to cherish his memory are wife Helen of the home; sons, Gary Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada and Zack Smith of Leedey, Oklahoma; daughter, Glenda Hamblin of Flagstaff, Arizona; five grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.