Jerome Allen Smith, M.D.

Jerome Allen (Jerry) Smith, M.D., 96, of Midland, Texas died of old age on October 20, 2015. He was surrounded by his family and the thoughts and prayers of many friends.Jerry was born in Dallas, Texas to Forrest and Edith Smith of Ranger, Texas. He spent his early life in California and Washington, D.C. While in high school he played baseball in a field across the street from the White House. Jerry graduated from Texas Technological College in 1940 with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering. He also received an M.S. in chemical engineering from Texas A&M. During World War II, he worked as a stress engineer designing aircraft for the military services. He worked on the B-25 bomber and many other aircraft that were instrumental in the war effort. After the war, he knew that engineering was not for him and enrolled at the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston. During medical school he met his wife, Helen Clements of Crowley, Texas. They married in 1950. He graduated with his M.D. in 1950. He was drafted in the medical draft of the Korean War and served at William Beaumont Army Hospital in El Paso, Texas.Jerry practiced medicine in Lubbock, Texas for 20 years. He was the first board certified psychiatrist and neurologist in Lubbock. He made a special effort to accommodate patients in rural areas in West Texas who might not be able to attend regular office hours. He was well-liked and admired by his colleagues and patients. During his time in Lubbock, Jerry served as a selection officer for the Peace Corps.He was well-known for his beautiful gardens, especially his roses. He was awarded the title Rosarian by the American Rose Society and won numerous rose competitions. He was an avid bridge player, golfer, skier, and adventuresome traveler. Two of the many adventures included a visit to China in 1990 and a train ride across Australia.In 1978 Jerry joined the Veteran’s Administration. He was stationed at the St. Cloud Veteran’s Hospital in St. Cloud, MN. He also served in Big Spring, TX and El Paso, TX. After retiring from the VA, he worked with the West Texas Center on Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) seeing patients all across West Texas. He retired for the third and final time at the age of 85.Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Helen Clements Smith; two daughters, Elizabeth (Midland) and Catherine (Lawrence, KS); three grandchildren, Nicholas, Sushila and Chandra; and three great-grandchildren, Piper, Landrie and Eli.A rosary service will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 11:00 am at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 4601 Neely Ave, Midland, TX. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be directed to Helping Hands.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,