Martin Earl Smith

Martin E. Smith passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.  Born in Omaha, NE to Martin Edward Smith (deceased) and Bernadine Lucille Halsey (deceased).  Martin moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1960 with is family.  

After graduating from Valley High School, Martin enlisted in the Army.  Martin served in Vietnam from October 1968 to September 1969 in the 238th AERWPNS Co. Gunrunners and was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, R.V.N, from 1961-1975.  Martin achieved the rank of Captain and finished out his army career at Fort Rucker as a flight instructor.

Martin is survived by his wife, Janice J. Smith, daughters Connie C. (Billy) Liggett, Wendy D. ( Jeremy) Howard, grandchildren Skyler (Stephanie) Smith, Lynne (Jackson) Day, Darwyn Liggett, Conner Liggett, Dustin Howard , and Samantha Howard.  Three great grandchildren Charlie Smith, Annabelle and Oliver Day, brother Gene Redvelski, sisters Rosemarie Faulkner, Linda Sawyer, and Tammy Ayer, along with multiple nieces and nephews.  Martin was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald D. Smith.

Martin was know to his family as "Papa," and he was often someone the family looked up to.  As he got older, Papa was always looking to joke around with his family and coworkers, capturing precious moments behind a camera, or create memories for his grandchildren, whom he cherished, along with his very spoiled German Shepard, Eva.  Papa was very much loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, 6:00 PM, Daniels Family Funeral Services - Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the following:

- St. Jude's Children's research hospital stjude.org/donatetoday

- St. Joseph's Indian School PO Box 326 Chamberlain, SD 57326; 800.341.2235; www.stjo.org/dreams

- Boystown 200 Flanagan Blvd Boys Town, NE 68010; 800.217.3700; boystown.org/give