Baker City, Oregon
Harry Smith, 81, a 50-year resident of Morton, Wash., and a former Baker City resident, died Feb. 7, 2003, at the Centralia Providence Hospital.
There was a private family service. Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Mortuary at Morton.
Harry was born on March 1, 1921, at Portland to Harry and Ruth Spencer Smith. He was raised at Baker City and joined the U.S. Army in September 1940.
Harry saw action in the battles of Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe and the Aleutian Islands. He was captured and spent eight months in a prisoner of war camp in Germany.
Harry received the American Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the European-African-Middle East Service Medal.
After the war, Harry lived at Kapowsin, Wash., for several years, moving to Morton in 1953 where he worked for St. Regis as a cutter. He retired in 1978.
He married his wife, Virginia, at Randle, Wash., on Dec. 8, 1973. He was a member of the Lumber and Sawmill Worker Union, the American Legion Post, No. 215, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Post, No. 41, American Ex-Prisoners of War, and the Morton Moose Lodge, No. 1144. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his stepfather, Sam McMurren; and an infant brother.
Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Virginia; his sons, Dennis Smith of Graham, Wash., Ron Smith of Puyallup, Wash., and Roy Griggs of Morton; his daughters, Marcia Obenchain of Eatonville; Robin Griggs of Morton, Wash.; his brothers, Bruce McMurren of Baker City and Lloyd McMurren of Wrangle, Alaska; six grandchildren, including Toni Griggs; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewis County Animal Shelter.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, February 14, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor