Richard "Gene" Smith

Richard Gene Smith, 84, passed away surrounded by family at home on June 11th of cancer.Gene was born March 4th, 1933 in Kilfoil, NE and was raised in Kissimmee FL. He joined the US Military in 1951 and retired after 20 years. While Gene was stationed in Germany he met and later married Marie-Luise Lingenauber in 1957 in Basle, Switzerland. Together they raised 4 children, traveled and lived in Germany and Italy before retiring at MAFB in 1971. Gene was a talented auto mechanic, loved Nascar racing and enjoyed boating and fishing on Flathead Lake.Gene is survived by his wife, Maria, son William (Andrea) Smith, daughters Caroline (David) Knudson, Debbie (Alan) Rice. Grandchildren Jessica (Eric) Schibel, Mercede (Grant) Eve, Morgan Knudson, Tex, Gunter, Bailey and Zack Smith, and many great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his daughter Sabine Coello.