Thomas Powers Smith

Thomas Powers Smith, 78, of Justin, Texas passed away Friday, July 10, 2020. Tom was a Navy Veteran and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He passed away peacefully after a brave battle with liver cancer. Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday 2 - 4 PM, July 19, 2020 at Lucas Funeral Home - Keller, 1601 S. Main Street, Keller, TX 76248. Mass will be at 10 AM on Monday, July 20, 2020 at St. Mark Catholic Church, 6500 Crawford Rd, Argyle, TX 76226. Burial at 2 PM at Dallas/Fort Worth National
Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211.

Tom was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Ernest H. and Madonna E. (Powers) Smith on January 6, 1942. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Euclid, Ohio and attended Kent State University. Tom served his country in the US Navy, active duty 1960-64, reserves 1964-66. He was an aircraft engine mechanic, Adjan E3, on the USS Independence.

After serving in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Joan Beatrice McBride. They were married February 27 1965, in East Cleveland OH and were together for 53 years. They had resided in Willowick OH, Jamestown NY, Bedford TX and Justin TX. When Tom and Joan relocated to Texas in 1979, they became owner/operators of a Midas Muffler Shop in North Richland Hills.

During retirement, Tom fulfilled his lifelong dream of building a large 6 bay garage to house and work on his cars, trailers, and assorted projects. After his wife's passing, Tom reconnected with Sharon Panessa, a friend who became his partner. They traveled together in Tom's RV and then settled in Sharon's home in Yonkers, NY.

Tom was an outgoing and personable guy who loved everything to do with automobiles and spent most of his career as a salesman. He enjoyed repairing, parting, restoring, driving, and racing american made cars. He and his son, Todd, began racing a Mercury Comet and later a dragster. He and Joan loved camping and over the years graduated from using a tent to popup trailer, airstream trailer, airstream motorhome, and finally to a luxury motorcoach.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Maura Carlisle (John), son, Todd Smith (Vicki), daughter, Lynn Caplinger (James T.); brother, Leonard Smith, sister, Kathryn Elicker (William), sister, Marie Lellis; grandchildren, Sarah and Elizabeth Carlisle, Alexander and Courtney Caplinger; 3 step
grandchildren Joni Mooneyham, Julie Harner, Katy Freeman; and seven step great grandchildren. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother Kent Smith, and his wife Joan Beatrice Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that brick memorials / donations be made in his name to the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine, 400 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd. San Juan, Texas 78589 Phone: 956.787.0033

https://www.olsjbasilica.org Go to Donate /Brick Plaza / Brochure and Pavers order form to purchase an engraved brick or block in memoria. Other options Memorial Gifts, Vigil Lights, & Prayer Requests.