Obituary of Frederick Eugene Smith

Retired USAF Major Frederick "Fred" Eugene Smith, 83, beloved father, Nonno, brother, cousin, and uncle, peacefully entered into eternal life November 22, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral service: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, at Martin Thompson & Son Funeral Home, 6009 Wedgwood Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133. Fred was born to Frank and Dicie Smith on October 8, 1932 in Bastrop, Louisiana and was the youngest of nine siblings. He was the first in his family to go to college and received his B.A. degree from Louisiana Tech. He then joined the United States Air Force, completed flight school in 1956, and flew in various campaigns around the world. He became a command pilot for KC-135 Stratotankers which he flew in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict. He and his flight crews won numerous awards including the Presidential Unit Citation and Air Force Commendation medals. Late in his career, he transitioned from pilot to flight instructor while stationed at Altus Air Force Base and retired after 22 years of faithful service. While stationed in Europe, he met and married the love of his life, Ada Maria Baldacci. They were stationed all over the world including France, Thailand, and many different bases in America. She fulfilled her role as a military wife admirably and gave him a son and daughter. After retirement, they lived in Oklahoma City, Denver, and finally moved to Benbrook to be close to their grandchildren. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandsons who he loved more than life itself. Survivors: He is survived by his wife Ada, his son Fred Jr., his daughter-in-law Lara, his grandsons Mark and Christopher, and his daughter Renee Margaret Smith. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Alice Cockrell and Dicie Rogers and by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.