Paul Smetak

Paul Edward Smetak was born on September 30, 1926 to Frank J. Smetak and Rosa Grones Smetak in Praha, Texas. He died on February 09, 2016. He was married three times and had two children, Charles Smetak Sage and Desiree Smetak Sage, from his first marriage to Loreta Binion. He had no children from his second marriage to Maxine Smith Black. He married his third wife, Jum Yea (Judy) Ranieri Smetak, in 1979 and had three stepchildren, Soon Merz, George Ranieri , and Joey Ranieri , who welcomed him into the Ranieri/Merz family. Judy preceded him in death in 1986. After Judy's death, he had a long relationship with Voynetia Lahman.

Paul was one of 7 boys: Adolph (AJ), Ernest, Rudolph, Frank Jr., Charles, and Ben, and 7 girls: Rudolphina, Ludmila (Lillie), Francis, Rosaline, Dorothy, Margie, and Donna. Paul's family eventually settled in Fort Stockton, Texas in 1945, where several members still reside.

Paul served in the United States Army from March 1945 to December 1946, receiving the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal.

Paul was self-employed and worked in construction in and around Killeen for most of his life.

He enjoyed fishing, playing dominos (especially Moon), and after retiring, sharing his many opinions and fixing things (or piddling, as he liked to call it), especially lawn mowers. He was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather and was extremely generous with his time and expertise to his family, friends, and neighbors.

Paul is survived by his two children, three stepchildren, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Chapel
506 N. 38th Street
Killeen, TX  76543
Saturday, February 13, 2016
9:00 a.m.

Service

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
506 N 38th St
Killeen, TX  76543
Saturday, February 13, 2016
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Killeen City Cemetery
2800 E. Rancier Ave
Killeen, TX  76543