Abner John Smith, 97, a Lee County, Florida resident since 1976, formerly of Lake Forest, Illinois and Bernardsville, New Jersey passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2016 in Ft. Myers, Florida. He was born July 23, 1918 in South Pasadena, California to Abner and Ernestine Smith.
Abner served 4 years as a major in the US Army Air Transport Command in North Africa during World War II. Just after the war, in 1948, he married the love of his life Helen Scranton, whom he met when they were both employed by United Airlines. In 1950 his executive career began with Allstate Insurance Company. From an early age Ab had a great passion for travel which took Ab and Helen on many trips to exotic locales. After an early retirement he began a second career of voluntary service with the International Executive Service Corp as country director in Jakarta, Indonesia and Nairobi, Kenya and some smaller assignments in Poland, Yemen and Jordan.
The remainder of his life he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Helen S. Smith of Ft. Myers; three loving children, Bradley Kirk Smith (Robin) of Glenwood Springs, CO, Todd S. Smith (Karen) of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Wendyl Smith of Bali, Indonesia; dear friends, Caryl and Merle Nelson of Lake Forest, IL; nephew, Henry Cowles of San Diego, CA; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Will, Courtney, Kyle, and Chad; as well as four great- grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, Kylie and Cale.
Abner was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Smith and a sister, Charlotte Cowles.
No formal services are planned at this time.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33908.
