The world lost a kind and decent soul when Warren Stanley Smith (LTC Ret.) passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on April 1,1935, in Washington, DC to his parents, Joseph P Smith Jr. and Angela (Romola) Smith.

Warren's academic journey began at Villanova University, where he attended before being nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1959, an experience he often described as both challenging and transformative.

The principles of strong character, leadership, and service to others that he cultivated at West Point became the foundation for his life, and he instilled these values in his children, who grew up understanding the true meaning of "Duty, Honor, Country." Following his graduation, Warren served 21 years in the United States Army, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

His military career took him to various locations around the world, including Nuremberg, Germany, where he met and married Martha "Kay" (Reberry) Smith in 1963. He also served two tours in the Vietnam War. His final assignment was at Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter on Oahu, Hawaii, where he spent eight years before retiring and settling in Mililani, Hawaii. As a highly decorated veteran, Warren rarely spoke of his combat experiences, though his service to his country was exemplary.

A lifelong learner, Warren pursued advanced education after retiring from the military. He earned an MBA and a Ph.D. in Education Administration from the University of Southern California. He went on to serve as the Dean of Continuing Education at Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was instrumental in developing a program that provided military personnel with opportunities to advance their education while fulfilling their service commitments. Warren took immense pride in this program and in helping others achieve academic success.

In 1993, when his father became ill and his brother Joe, was assigned to Brussels, Belgium, Warren took on what he considered his most meaningful role, caring for his father through his final days and for his mother, just short of her passing at the age of 90. Later, Warren and Kay relocated to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where they provided care for Kay's mother, Mary Reberry, until her death in 2018.

Warren was an active member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Bella Vista where he was a 4th degree leader in the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed coordinating/running the "Friday fish fry" dinners to raise money to help others. He loved his parish so much that he and Kay decided they would be inurned in the columbarium at St. Bernard's parish.

Warren is survived by his five children: Warren and Teresa Smith, Mary Smith and her partner Mary Fay, Theresa and Randy Renfro, Kathleen Smith and William Ammons; six grandchildren, Jessica Hernandez, Cody Renfro, Dominic Smith, Nicholas Smith, Daniel Greycloud, and Kathleen Fay-Smith; his great grandchild, Kyler Hernandez; brother, Joseph P. Smith, III (Kathleen) of Annandale, Virginia.

Rosary will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1 St Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72715, followed by Mass of the Resurrection with military honors at 10:00 a.m. A reception after the service will be held in the parish hall. All are invited and welcome!

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.