Paul Overton Smith

Paul Overton Smith was born January 11, 1936 in St. Elmo, Illinois to parents Dwight Cole and Lottie Mae (Dial) Smith.

Paul graduated from the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana in 1958. He worked for a short-time after college graduation as an exhibits designer at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, where he designed the old-time drug emporium/apothecary (which is still on display). He then entered the US Army as a Signal Corps Officer in 1959. He was promoted to First Lieutenant and served at Fort Leavenworth Kansas where he met and later married his wife Marylin on June 11, 1960. Their 57-year marriage produced four sons, Kevin, Keith, Darrell, and Eric. Although Keith died at birth, the other sons were forever shaped by Paul's moral character and firm guidance. Paul and Marylin have three wonderful daughters-in-law, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Paul loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely, and they loved him in return.
His older brother, Joe Smith passed away more than twenty-nine years ago, and Paul missed him greatly. Joe's wife and children were never far from Paul's mind as he continued to be in touch with and support them.

Paul spent his life as a sales representative and packaging engineer in the corrugated industry and had a work ethic that was unmatched. After retirement he worked and volunteered at his beloved Christ United Methodist Church, manning the welcome desk. He provided every single visitor and member with a warm smile and a heartfelt "hello". The favorite part of his day was seeing all the children from the pre-school.
The happiest moments of Paul's life came from being with his family and watching their accomplishments and joys. To Paul, his greatest accomplishment wasn’t money or belongings – it was family and friends. He was one of the most truly decent, honest and caring individuals that God placed on this earth. His family was blessed to have him for such a long and full life. They have no regrets and ask that to honor Paul, each person who knew him simply go out and do one decent thing for another person. That would be a fitting gift to a man who spent his life being more concerned for others than for himself. All who knew Paul Smith were truly blessed.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Marylin (De Hoff) Smith, sons Kevin Smith and his wife Donna, Darrell Smith and his wife Lori, Eric Smith and his wife Trish; grandchildren Sarah Littlefield and her husband Dusty, Lindsey Glass and her husband Jacob, Jordan Smith and Addyson Smith, Travis Smith and his wife Hadley, Elise Smith; great grandchildren Gavin and Braeden Littlefield, Hayden and Emmerson Glass. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, brother Joe Smith and son Keith Paul Smith.

There will be a memorial service held to celebrate Paul’s life Friday, June 1, 2018, 3:00 PM at Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd., Plano, Texas. 75075 Followed by a reception.

If desired contributions may be made in Paul’s name to the Senior Adult Ministry at Christ United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231.