• MHS
  • Thoughts

    “I hear a voice you can not hear. Which says I must not stay. I see a hand you can not see. Which beckons me away.”

    The only thing you take with you when you’re gone is what you leave behind
    — John Allston

    There is more peace somewhere.
    There is more peace somewhere.
    I’m gonna keep on ’til I find it.
    There is more peace somewhere.
    — African American Hymn

    I cannot think of them as dead who walk with me no more;
    along the path of life I tread they but are gone before.
    — Fredrick Lucian Hosmer

    In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them.
    In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.
    In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them.
    In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.
    In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them.
    In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.
    When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.
    When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
    When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them.
    So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
    — From Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer

    “Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree which stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do even if it is a long way from here. Hold on to life even when it is easier letting go. Hold on to my hand even when I have gone away from you.” ~Pueblo Blessing ~

    Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
    Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
    Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
    Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

    Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
    Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
    Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
    Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

    He was my North, my South, my East and West,
    My working week and my Sunday rest,
    My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
    I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

    The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
    Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
    Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
    For nothing now can ever come to any good.

    W.H. Auden

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    This is a list of those for whom information is needed. If you have information (obituaries, dates of birth/death, etc.) please notify an administrator.

    Tommy Barton
    Betty Jo Berezoski
    Evelyn Boucher
    Ricky Dan Brown
    Harry Closs
    James Cross
    Jimmy Daily
    Raymond Eads
    Elizabeth Georgette Eichler Graves
    Larry Green
    Nancy (Neecie) Hardeman Beard
    Otis Havis
    Bobby Hesskew
    Sheryl Hicks
    Donald Hogan
    Kenneth Hogg
    Patty Holloway
    Jane Howerton
    Bob Humphrey
    Valarie Iglesia
    Brad Jennings
    Carol Kendrick
    Bobby Lessman
    Dwight Lessman
    Grace Locke
    Leo Locke Jr.
    Sharon Padilla Murray
    Debra Neumann
    Kay Phillips
    Julia Pickvance
    Joyce Rachui
    Marcia Beth Roberts
    Raymond Smith
    Al Stein
    Paula Stone (McIntosh)
    Moda Strickland
    John Hart Thompson
    Sandra Tobias
    Hector Trevino
    Barbara Chane (Tull)
    Mary Lynn Walker (Drews)
    Mary Helen McBee White
    Marion Willars

  • Administrative

Smith, Azro “Smitty” Jr.

Azro-Smith-34374698February 2, 1931 – April 29, 2024

On April 29th, 2024, our beloved grandfather “Pop Pop”, husband, father and friend, Azro “Smitty” Smith Jr., peacefully passed away at his home. Born on February 2, 1931, he lived a life filled with love, service, and faith. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and two older sisters. Smitty is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Laura Mae; his son, Mark and his wife Janie and their three children, Laura, Dalton, and Joshua. Smitty had five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many many nieces and nephews that he cherished in life.

Smitty dedicated his life to serving his country in the Air Force, where his bravery and commitment earned him two Bronze Stars. However, his true pride and joy came from his family. His wife, Laura Smith, was the love of his life, his rock, and his constant companion for 66 beautiful years. Their love story, which began at Laura’s parents’ dry-cleaning business, was a testament to enduring love, laughter, and partnership.

A man of faith, Smitty found great solace and strength through his relationship with God. He volunteered through the church, working with inmates at the prison, offering guidance, support, and hope to those in need. His compassion knew no bounds, and his commitment to helping others reflected his deep-rooted belief in the power of redemption and second chances.

As a father, Smitty imparted wisdom and integrity to his son, Mark, whom he cherished beyond words. Retirement from the VA did not slow down his passion for helping fellow veterans, a true testament to his selflessness and dedication.

But what truly brought the biggest smile to his face were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their laughter and playful antics brought immense joy to his life. Watching them dance and play made his heart full, and his silly faces never failed to bring giggles from his little monsters.

Smitty will be remembered for his big heart, unwavering love and infectious sense of humor. His legacy of service, love, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Lest we forget, his borderline obsession for golf. As he literally finished a round while a funnel cloud was forming behind him.

Rest in peace, Pop Pop. Even though the tables are cleaner now, missing your crumbs. The rooms are quieter now, missing your hilarious one-liners. And our goodbyes are no longer the same, missing Pop Pops forehead kisses. We miss you so deeply, but we are celebrating that you are finally home.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will be at 10:00am on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at DFW National Cemetery.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family requests that everyone bring or send your favorite Smitty story! They want to make a book of memories and would love to include yours! Memorials may also be made to The American Heart Association in hopes of finding a cure for CHD at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jeffreyhasheart OR https://jeffreyhasheart.org/

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