Thomas Richard Smith

Thomas R. Smith, son of Christian R. and Mildred Lucille (Croft) Smith was born on August 6, 1939 in Bellefonte, PA. On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, he departed our world to be with the Heavenly Father. He was the beloved husband of Sharon Cantrell Smith for over 50 years. Thomas was a wonderful parent to Christian Smith, of Arizona, and Cynthia Smith-Cullen. He is survived by his wife, two children, his sister Mary Schlegel in Bellefonte, and his five grandchildren, Kevin Smith of Arizona, Tajya Smith-Cullen, Kyra Smith-Cullen, Kade Cullen and Dimitria Smith Cullen in Danville.

He was an elder at Pennside Presbyterian Church where he attended with his wife Sharon for 40 years. He sang in the choir, and often played his instruments in the service. He shared his love of Jesus as a testament in the way he lived his everyday life, and the way he treated his fellow man.

Tom loved music, and included it in all aspects of his life. He played trumpet as a member of the American Legion Jr Band in Bellefonte, PA, under the direction of Olin Butt. Tom also sang and played trumpet with the Keystonaires Orchestra in Bellefonte in the mid to late 50's. He also played guitar and banjo, which he enjoyed taking to picnics and playing with friends. He was a member of the Reading Chorale Society, and played in the Exeter Community Band in the Reading area.

Tom enjoyed learning. He graduated from Bellefonte High School in 1956 in Pennsylvania, and earned a degree in Civil Engineering at Penn State University. While working for the US Bureau of Reclamation after graduating college, Tom got to tour the west. It was here that he met and married Sharon Cantrell in Ogden, Utah in 1963. He was able to travel extensively to places like Africa and Saudi Arabia through his job. He was also a civil engineer for Gilbert Associates Inc., Terra Aqua, BCM, Entech Engineers, and SSM.

Tom also loved learning about history, especially when it related to the railroad. He loved to visit model railroad displays in the area.

Services will be Monday at 11a.m. in Pennside Presbyterian Church, 253 N. 25th St. Reading, PA 19606. Burial will Tuesday at 2:00p.m. in Centre County Memorial Park, Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading, PA is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Pennside Presbyterian Church, at the address above, or Pennsylvania Dialysis Clinic, 625 Spring St, Wyomissing, PA 19610.

Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.