Published: November 04, 2009 10:31 am      

Stephen M. Smoker

March 3, 1937-Nov. 1, 2009

Stephen M. Smoker, 72, of Loudon, Tenn., passed away Sunday.

A Purdue graduate in mechanical engineering and a love of flying resulted in a long career of commercial and military flying. He served in the U.S. Air Force for six years and another six years in the National Guard.

Following a 33 year career as a Delta Airline pilot, he and wife, Roberta, retired to Loudon, where he became a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Tellico Village Roadrunners RV Club.

Mr. Smoker was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and LaVelle (Stiver) Smoker.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta Keahey Smoker, Loudon; his children, Stacy Renee Green, Loganville, Ga.; Michael Scott Smoker, Sugar Valley, Ga.; Erica Lynn Swinks, Auburn, Ga.; his grandchildren, Nathan and Caitlyn Green, Joshua Michael Smoker, and Lydia Mary Elizabeth Bissantz; and a sister, Cynthia Orbaugh Dale, Nashville, Ind.

Family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday at the Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home in Goshen followed by graveside and military services at 3:30 p.m. at the New Paris Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Susan L. Bader Foundation of Hope, for pancreatic cancer research, are encouraged. Online giving can be made at www.slbfoundation.org or by mail at SLB Foundation of Hope, Attn: Amy Bader, P.O. Box 33, Eldridge, IA 52748.

Online condolences may be sent to www.rrefh.com.