VERNON SHYROCK SMITH

Dr. Vernon Shyrock Smith

Dr. Vernon Shyrock Smith, 81, of Cuba, died at 7:20 a.m. Friday, May 7, 1999, at Graham Hospital Extended Care Unit in Canton.

He was born Nov. 22, 1917, at Cuba, a son of Clyde D. and Gussie (Shryock) Smith. He married Louise Weber on June 5, 1943, at Pomona, Calif. She survives.

Also surviving is one son, Jack Vernon Smith of Erial, N.J.; one daughter, Mrs. Richard (Kathie) Hamilton of Cuba; one grandson, Christopher I. Smith of Camp LaJeune, N.C.; two granddaughters, Mrs. David (Angela) Ragle of Astoria and Mrs. Gregory (Kimberly) Schreacke of Hewitt, Calif.; three great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother.

He served in WWII in the 13th General Hospital Unit and was recognized and presented the distinguished member of the United States Army Medical Dept. Regiment Award at the Congress of the American Optometric Association, recognizing his contributions to regimental continuity, tradition and Esprit de Corps. He was one of only 100 recipients nation-wide to receive this honor to date.

He received his degree from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago in 1939. He practiced optometry in the US Army during WWII. After WWII, he was in private practice in Cuba and later moved to Lewistown, retiring in December 1993 after 54 years.

He was a life member of the American Optometric Association. He was an honorary member of the Illinois Optometric Association and served as past president of the West Central Optometric Association. He was a century member of the Illinois College of Optometry.

He was a 73-year member of the Cuba United Methodist Church in which he sang in the choir most of his life and served on various church boards. He was a 54-year member of Cuba American Legion Russell Smith Post 533, Lewistown VFW Post 5001, past president of Lewistown Kiwanis Club, a member of the Fulton County Historical and Genealogical Society and was a former Boy Scout master for several years.

Services were held Tuesday at his church with Rev. Randy McGeehon officiating. Burial was in Cuba Cemetery. Henry Memorial Home in Cuba was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to his church.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 5/12/1999