Lyndon Wayne Smith
Lyndon Wayne Smith, 77, died October 9, 2019 at Clear Lake Hospital after succumbing to several illnesses. He is survived by his wife, Gayle Smith; his children, Laura Smith-Murray, Michael Smith, Coy Smith, and Kimberly Smith-Purcell; his grandchildren, Christopher Crocker, Jr., Brandon Smith, Cole Lutzenberger, Madeline Purcell and Abigail Purcell; his great-grandchildren, Carson and Caylee Crocker; his brothers, Terry Smith and Ray Smith. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles H. Smith and Mable I. Smith.
Lyndon was born June 10, 1942 and was raised mostly in Victoria, Texas where he was a member of the marching band at Victoria High School and went on to earn a degree from San Jacinto College. His band, The Dads of Dixie, put Victoria on the national scene as a finalist in the New York City talent contest where they met Annette Funicello and Carol Burnett. He took great delight in entertaining others with the coronet/trumpet and passed this interest down to his family. In fact, he collected horns as well as antique cars, knives, and trains.
Lyndon had a sundry of occupations, from a golf caddie to selling insurance to working at Battlestien’s Clothing Store to a Deputy at the Victoria Sheriff’s Department. He also flew as a pilot with the Civil Air Patrol and was a member of the Texas National Guard. Nothing would define his career and passion, however, as his service to NASA. For six decades he worked on the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs at NASA and proudly conveyed stories of mission control and space. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
His funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, October 25th at The Houston National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston.
I offer my deepest sympathy for Lyn’s family…..His passing, for me, is very devastating; Lyn has been a close friend of mine for more than fifty years. I have watched his daughter, Kimberly as she grew into the lovely lady she has become. He was so proud of her and his son, Coy as he grew into the professional sea captain against some very tough life circumstances . Lyn gleamed when he told me all of Coy’s and Kim’s accomplishments. He loved his beautiful wife, Gayle with all his heart. I ask God’s richest blessings to be given to this family who has lost this wonderful Dad, husband and friend.
I loved this man and will cherish our friendship the rest of my days. I have so many fond memories of my friend and coworker who stood with me through many of my life’s trials to the end. I still feel his presence in my life and can hear his laughter as we shared so much with one another .I am devastated by his passing almost to the point of becoming more sick in my mind and body than life has allowed through a stroke and so much more loss I have experienced. Lyn stood by me to the end of his life and I will always be grateful for his kindness and friendship.
Gayle, you know how much I loved both you and Lyn and now hurt with you each day as you continue the physical battles you’ve faced so many years. Your life partner knew of your pain and hurt for you to the end, I know. He teared up when we talked about your pain that never seemed to truly get better for you….. bless you Gayle. I love and will continue to cherish our friendship forever in this life.