Gerald F. Smeder, 84, of Clarksville, TN, died on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Kindred Hospital in Nashville, TN. He was born on August 28, 1928 in Big Creek, Idaho to the late Andrew Olaf Smeder and Albina Barrett Smeder. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Gladys Ellis Smeder; twins (brother/sister), Lester Smeder and Evelyn Stokes; and two brothers, Ronald and Donald Smeder.
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Chapel with Dr. Roger Freeman officiating. Entombment will be in Resthaven Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 10 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.
An Army Veteran, Sergeant Major Smeder, served 23 years with 11th Airborne and 101st Airborne Division. He served two tours in Vietnam. His awards include the Soldiers Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal second award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with second Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnamese Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 60 device, Combat Infantry Badge second award, Expert Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Expert Markmanship Badge. He attended numerous schools to include Ranger School, Jump Master School, and Jungle Warfare School. He was also a ROTC Instructor at Washington University in St. Louis, MO and UT Martin in Martin, TN. He was a member of the Shriners, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Queen City Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his twin brother, Harold (Nancy) of California; step-son, Ken Killebrew (Patsy) of Clarksville, TN; step-daughter, Brooksie Alberstadt (John) of Erie, PA; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guideons International, PO Box 45, Clarksville, TN 37041. Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Online condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.