John T Smethers

John T Smethers John was born on May 3rd 1921 in Van Buren, IN and passed away on Feb. 8, 2012 in Spokane, WA. He was in the Air Force for 24 yrs when he retired in the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in WW II as a paratrooper and tail gunner…eventually teaching survival school at Fairchild AFB before retiring due to an injury. John joined the Masonic Lodge as a very young man and was a proud member of Deer Park Lodge #134. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies and of El Katif Shriners. A recipient of the Jewel of El Katif, John was a member of the Legion of Honor, South Spokane Shrine Club, and a long-time member of the Palomino Patrol. For many years, he loved riding his horse Fancy with the Shrine Palomino Patrol. An amazing outdoorsman, he spent many free hours fishing and hunting. John is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Doris, as well as 7 children and stepchildren, Jill, Jodie, John Jr., Jim, Kathi, Diane and Lyn. He is also survived by his nephew Tom, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 20, 2012 at 2pm at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N Division, Spokane, WA.