Cecil H Smith

Cecil Howard Smith died November 20th, 2018 at the age of 93 at Birchwood Cottages, Owatonna, Minnesota. He was born on a farm near Lacona, IA, on June 11, 1925 to Thomas Hugh Smith and Eunice (Thomas) Smith and lived in the area until 1938. Adverse farming conditions during the Great Depression prompted the family to move to the Ellendale/Hope, MN, area to find a better life on the rich farmland there. Prior to graduating from Ellendale High School in 1943, Cecil enjoyed playing on the baseball team, (which won a state championship) and the football team.

Cecil enlisted in the Navy in December, 1944, trained at Great Lakes Naval Station, and then deployed to the island of Calicoan in the Philippines. At age 19, he was a Petty Officer 3rd class, supervising 70 men tasked with the acquisition and delivery of parts for the Seventh Fleet and the nearby airstrip. Honorably discharged in July 1946, he returned home via ship, train, and hitch-hiking, to Ellendale where he was met by his parents. There was no fanfare! His service was honored on October 11, 2011 by his inclusion in the final Honor Flight for WWII veterans from southern Minnesota to Washington, DC. He later said that the day was one of the best of his life.

After military service, Cecil worked for the Wesley Bros. Grocery and Locker Plant for a few months in Hope as a butcher. Later, he was an assistant dairy man on a farm and stockyard owned by Ed Oldefendt of Hope.

In January, 1947, Cecil met Barbara Beck of Owatonna at Rural Youth, a county-wide, young adult group. They married on June 11, 1948 at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Owatonna. The couple began a 41 year farming career. They farmed in Freeborn, Dodge, Rice and Steele Counties before buying a farm in 1956 on the Lemond Road SW of Owatonna. They added additional land over the following 34 years. Cecil and Barbara worked side-by-side to accomplish their goals and, as such, were true partners in their farming enterprises.  

Upon retirement in 1990, they moved to Owatonna and had a new home built which was meticulously designed by Cecil. In the following years, they enjoyed entertaining hundreds of people.

Cecil was an active member of the United Methodist Church, the Steele County Historical Society, United Managers, SE Farm Management and the Steele County Exchange Club. He also belonged to the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation and the Owatonna Foundation Legacy Society. He served on the boards of District #14 Rural School, People to People, Steele County Farm Bureau, AFS, and Farmers Corn Products. Cecil served as the first chair of the Steele County Rural United Way. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for twenty years and was a leader for the Record Busters 4-H club.

Farming was Cecil’s first “love”, so he worked very hard at it. In fact, he was twice named the runner-up for the Outstanding Young Farmer in Steele County. Cecil continually strove to improve his knowledge through education. He took courses on farming through the GI Bill of Rights after the war and attended many informational farm meetings.

Cecil had many hobbies, including acquisition and restoration of antique furniture, travel, and photography. Cecil and Barb traveled all over the world, often with their children and grandchildren, taking thousands of photos in the process. They enjoyed sharing their pictures with others in the community.

Cecil is survived by his wife of 70 years, Barbara; sons, Clair of Roseville, Douglas of Owatonna; daughter, Janet (Steven Usdansky) of Owatonna; grandchildren, Brenton (Tess), Brianna, Noelle of Portland, OR; great grandson, Micah, also of Portland; brother, Gail (Myrna) of Lusby, MD; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Roger; his parents, Thomas and Eunice; his brother, Evert.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 11 am with visitation starting at 10 am at the United Methodist Church, Owatonna. Internment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery, Owatonna, MN.

Memorials preferred to United Methodist Church of Owatonna, the Steele County Historical Society, or the Alzheimer’s Association.