Ira M. “Milt” Smith, age 74, of La Vernia passed from this life on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Methodist Hospital Metropolitan in San Antonio with his wife by his side.

Funeral Services for Milt will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Blaylock Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Slaymaker officiating; burial with Military Honors will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.

Milt was born to Ira H. Smith and Lela Mae (Collier) Smith, on February 2, 1948, in Brownwood.  Milt attended Brownwood High School and served in the United States Army upon graduation.  He served our country in the Vietnam War, earning many medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Following his service to our country, Milt continued to serve others working in Law Enforcement for many years, and retired later in life as a Truck Driver.  On June 9th of 1990, Milt married Celeste Saldivar. Milt and Celeste lived in the San Antonio/LaVernia area the last 23 years, and enjoyed a slow-paced life together, with their pets.

Milt was known as a jokester, with a contagious laugh that warmed the hearts of many. He loved his family deeply and showed his love through teasing and affection.  He will be missed dearly by his family and friends, but his laughter will forever ring in our hearts.

Milt is survived by his wife, Celeste Smith; two sons, Robby Smith and wife Eugenia, David Smith and wife Jamie; three daughters, Tammy Gillam, Shannon Soto and husband Ernest, and Heather Walter; stepson, Shawn Hohertz; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; sister, Debra Brown and husband Tony; and brother, Glen Smith and wife Tina. Milt is also survived by his loving wife’s family, father and mother-in-law, Oscar and Margie Saldivar, sisters-in-law, Valerie Chavez and husband Juan, Melinda Paredez and husband Mando, and Starla Salazar; as well as brother-in-law, Oscar Saldivar and wife Kelsey.  He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira H. Smith and Lela Mae Smith; and a granddaughter, Dakota Hopper.

Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.