Gerald Smith

Funeral services for Gerald Smith, 77, of Jennings will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings today, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at 10 a.m., with Father Charles McMillin officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at the funeral home beginning on Monday, March 18, 2019, at 3 p.m., with a rosary recited at 6 p.m., and continuing until 9 p.m. Visitation will resume today, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 8 a.m. until the time of his service at 10 a.m.

Burial will follow Greenwood Cemetery.

Gerald was born in Jennings on Jan. 12, 1942, to Lawrence Smith and Hazel Istre Smith. He was called from this earthly life by his Heavenly Father on March 15, 2019. Gerald served our country honorably in the Navy as a petty officer, 3rd class machinist’s mate. After the Navy, Gerald went on to be a draftsman for Davidson Sash and Door for over 20 years. He was also a member of Jennings Fire Department and was an assistant fire chief. He loved the outdoors, duck hunting, making duck calls, fishing and gardening. Gerald also enjoyed wood turning and doing carpentry. Most of all, Gerald loved spending time with his family. He was a kind and loving man who was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Gerald is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Sue” Smith of Jennings; his two daughters, Christine Simpson (Robert) of Lake Arthur and Shera Materne (Roger) of Jennings; his two brothers, Sonny Smith of England and Manny Smith (Betty Ruth) of Louisiana; his two sisters, Evelyn O’Quinn (Owen) of Texas and Gladys “Dee Dee” Collins (Robert) of Lake Charles; his eight grandchildren, Michael, Thomas, Joshua, Ashley, Trisha “Nikki”, Roger “D.J.”, Aaron and Alexander “Alec”; his 10 great-grandchildren; as well as his three great great-grandsons.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Hazel Smith; and his sister, Rena Crader.

Carrying Gerald to his final resting place will be his brothers in the fire service, Marcus Peterson, Johnny Navarre, Cedric Gary, Walter Trahan, Cody Courville, Ashley Navarre, Shawn O’Quinn, Mark Courville and Carl Trahan.

To extend online condolences, please visit www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.