George Duane Smith

Pantego-George Duane Smith, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, age 90, took his last breath on earth and opened his eyes in the glory of heaven on Monday, December 2, 2019, at Arlington Memorial Hospice. Funeral: 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2019 with a rosary beginning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1200 S. Davis Dr., Arlington, TX. Interment: in the St. Francis Cremains Garden at the church. Reception following the services at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2625 S Cooper St. Arlington, TX Duane was born October 18, 1929 in Meadville, PA. He graduated from Alliance College in PA and went on to receive his MBA from Pepperdine University in California. He worked at RCA in New Jersey, Ohio and California. He also worked at Ling Temco Vought in Anaheim, CA before transferring to LTV in Grand Prairie, TX in 1969. Soon after that, he moved to Vought Heritage Helicopters/Aerospatiale Helicopters from where he retired in 1991 as Director of Business Planning and Cash Management. Outside of work, Duane served in the US Naval Reserve for eight years and was a fifteen-year member of the U. S. Jaycees where he served as a state officer in New Jersey and a National Director in both Ohio and California. During his final year, he was the National Membership Chairman. Duane served 8 years as a Councilman in Pantego and was name Mayor Pro Tem in 2009 and 2010. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, a past Deputy Grand Knight and Past President for the St Jude Organization of Arlington, Council #6269 where he was a charter member and a 4th Degree Knight. Duane was a patron life member of the NRA, a life member of the Texas State Rifle Association, past President of Dallas Woods and Waters Club, past President and life member of Arlington Sportsman's Club, past President of the Arlington Serra Club and past member of Mensa and was an active Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. His heart's desire was to serve others in his church. Being an active member in St. Maria Goretti, he served as a Eucharistic Minister to those who were unable to travel to church until he was hospitalized on November 17, 2019. Duane was an avid racquetball player and was ranked 4th in the Nation in his age bracket in 2001. He loved to hunt and fish; as well as, teach concealed handgun classes and hunter education courses. Duane's life principle was "If you can't afford to pay for it now, do without it until you can pay for it." Survivors: His wife of 68 years, Ida; sons: David Duane of Arlington; Douglas Matthew and wife, Diana, of Arlington; Daniel Scott and wife, Susan, of Crowley, TX; daughters: Deborah Ann O'dell and husband, Chris, of Arlington; Diane Marie Tejeda and husband, Pedro, of Arlington; Mary Denise Gentile and husband, Jim, of Arlington; 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, plus 3 more due soon. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233