Truman Joseph (TJ) Smading, 85, El Dorado Springs, was born Feb. 4, 1924, in Quinton, OK, to Charles Raymond and Emma (Hogan) Smading. He passed away June 2, 2009, in Christian Healthcare, Nixa.
As a child TJ moved with his parents to Kansas and then to Nevada, MO. He was a US Navy Veteran serving his country from February 1943 to February 1946. TJ served as an Armed Guard Gunner during the war, attaining the rank of 2nd Class Boswainmate. His duties were protecting the Merchant ships that were transporting a variety of supplies such as small arm ammunition, bombs, medical supplies, airplanes, high test gasoline and coal and aluminum ore. He served on three ships - the SS Finley Peter Dunne, SS Edward J. O’Brian and a C-1 transport, the SS Cape Neddick. It was aboard the Neddick that he saw action.
TJ was united in marriage to Roberta Belle Moore in June 1947. To this union four children were born. They lived in Cassville from 1959 until 1973, later moving to Mammoth Springs, AR, before finally moving to El Dorado Springs. TJ was active in the Lions Club and the VFW.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Roberta, in 2006; two brothers, Robert and Lewis; and five sisters, Alma, Frankie, Opal, Olive and Dottie.
He is survived by two sons, Robert and Michael; and two daughters, Vicki and Patricia; 13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
Graveside service with Merle Hicks officiating will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, June 5, in Moore Cemetery, Nevada.
Casketbearers will be -Vincent Pellicane, Craig Orwig, Bryan J. Smading and Sam Summers.
Arrangements are by Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Lions Club of El Dorado Springs or VFW #257.
