Ted L. Smith, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
August 23, 1933 – May 08, 2008

Ted L. Smith, Lt. Col. (Ret.) USAF, was born August 23, 1933, in Dallas, Texas, to Elmore H. Smith and Marie Eisermann Schaufele. After a brief illness, Ted left peacefully on May 8, 2008, surrounded by family and friends.

He graduated from Corpus Christi High School and Southwest Texas Teachers College in San Marcos. In September 1956, during a three-day period, Ted received his wings from pilot training, purchased a new car, and married his long-time sweetheart, Jannet Traylor. Ted had a distinguished AF career as a “Jolly Green Giant” search and rescue helicopter pilot and instructor. His career included a tour in Vietnam where his crews rescued four downed pilots resulting in awards of the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters. In 1975, Ted retired from the AF and began a career with the City of Austin as a computer programmer.

After his retirement from the city, Ted and Jannet enjoyed traveling and spending time with their grandchildren. Ted was a hero to many, but especially to his daughters and grandchildren. For over 32 years, Ted was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church where he was an elder, head usher and a volunteer with the Faith Food Pantry.

Ted is survived by his wife, Jannet, of 51 years; his daughters, Michelle Huddleston and husband Alan, and Barbara Gottschalk and husband Rick; grandchildren, Sarah, Bradley and Scott Huddleston and Gretchen, Matthew, Mike and Nick Gottschalk; sister, Betty Stone and husband Don; and nephew Wayne Petermann and wife Kathy; great-nieces Lindsay and Shannon and several cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 E. Oltorf St., Austin, TX 78704, or a charity of your choice. Private interment will be held at a later date.

Burial information: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX

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Major Ted L. Smith served in the Vietnam War as a HH-3E pilot with Det. 1, 40^th ARRS in the 1969-1970-time frame.