Howard E. Smith passed away peacefully on August 10, 2010 at Taylor House in Des Moines, Iowa.  Howard was born on September 19, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa to Lucille (Roland) Smith-Slater and Theodore Smith in Ankeny, Iowa.

Howard graduated from Lincoln High School in 1954 and served three years in the Army.  He met the love of his life Ann (Pool) Smith in 1953 and they were married on November 10, 1957.  Together, they made their home in Martensdale, Iowa where they raised their three children.

Howard retired from the Department of Transportation in 1992 after 34 years.  He was a firm believer in community service.  He was a member of the Martensdale Fire Department, served on several State and County Boards as well as the Martensdale City Council.  He also was an avid fisherman and love to travel.  One of his favorite destinations was to go to Canada with family and friends.  He loved to teach and enjoyed fishing with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ann; his children, daughter Pat (Ron) Vaughn, his sons Randy (Glenda) Smith and Jeff (Lori) Smith; his grandchildren Amanda (Corey) Blackburn, Bryon (Sara) Smith, Brandon (Alicia Smith) Vaughn, Megan Smith, Zach Smith and Nick Smith; and his great-grandchildren Aja Smith, Owen Vaughn and Jonah Smith; one brother James Smith of Polk City, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Wesley Smith and Larry Smith; and sister Charlene Gibbons.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, August 13, 2010 at Overton's Funeral Home in Indianola, Iowa.  Visitation will be held Thursday, August 12, 2010 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm where the family will be present from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm.  Burial of cremains will be at a later date.  The family is requesting, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be given to the Martensdale Fire Department, Iowa Health Hospice or Taylor House.  Online condolences may be sent at www.overtonfunerals.com.