Obituary of Alden E. Smith

Alden Eugene Smith, 98, of Jamestown, passed away Sept. 24, 2023 at UPMC Chautauqua. He was born in Union City, Pa., where he lived off and on as an adult, and was one of seven siblings of the late Charles & Alta Smith. Alden was preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Jacqueline, in 2007; his six siblings; and a grandson, Joseph Johnson. He is survived by his children: Diane (Todd) Alexander, Darana (Ron Brooks) Edmondson, Michael Smith, Jon (Laverne) Lundmark, Teresa (Tom) Dallas, Regina (Scott Pollock) Cherowbrier, Mark (Barbara) Johnson, and Bruce (Jennifer) Johnson. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren: Denver (Lizz) and Austen (Mary Fleenor) Alexander; Tyler (Bethany) and Tanner (Brooke) Edmondson; Dylan, Macey, Ashley, Allison and Alexis Lundmark, and John Earing; Tricia and Tori Dallas, and Tenille (Nate) Thompson; Rylie Cherowbrier; Zakary, Andrew and Matthew Johnson; and Molly Cabrera; as well as 18 great-grandchildren. Alden served 17 years in the US Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He served in WWII, stationed in England & Italy, then served in the Korean War, stationed in Japan. In all, he was stationed at over 20 bases at home and abroad. During retirement, Alden enjoyed attending many events for his grandchildren living in Lakewood, and traveling across the US visiting friends and family, bringing them various edible treats. In recent years he took great pride in representing WWII vets, participating in different veterans' events including the Conneaut, Ohio D-Day re-enactments with daughters, Diane & Darana; participating in the WWII Veterans Oral History Program; going on the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight with Darana; and a ceremony attended by Diane, Darana, and son, Jon, in which Quilts of Valor presented him with an Honor Quilt. The family would like to thank the staff at Lutheran Home for their care of the past five years. They also would like to thank the staff at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital, especially Dr. Sapple, for their compassion and support during Alden's final days. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home, led by Rev. Laura Csellak. Friends will be received from 6 to 7 p.m. prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight, P.O. Box 426, Clarence, NY 14031.