Arthur L. Smith, 94, of Evansville, formerly of Oakland City, IN entered rest on Sunday October 5, 2008 at 4:30 A.M. at his home.

He was born on September 17, 1914 in Terre Haute, IN to Harry Lee and Sarah Edith (Pershing) Smith.

He graduated in 1933 from Oakland City High School and from Oakland City College in 1937 with a Teachers license.

He taught 1 ½ years in Ripley, Mississippi until 1939; hired on to Gibson Co. Welfare Dept. as Case Worker until 1941; appointed to US Army special civil service position to teach Morris Code to A & F men who were on B17 and B29 planes. After the war he returned to Oakland City and the Gibson Co. Welfare Dept where he later became Welfare Director retiring in 1981. He loved to travel and recite history “lessons” to family and friends. He was very proud of his Pershing heritage (he was a distant relative of General “Blackjack” Pershing from WWI.) He was a great historian, and had an impeccable memory even up to his last days. He was a true “gentleman,” and touched many lives in his long years serving the public.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Ruth on Oct.25, 2008 and a daughter Charlean Simmons in 1997.

Surviving family members: Granddaughters, Heather (William) Alumbaugh of Mt.Vernon, IN, Holly (Jeff) Hobgood of Newburgh, IN; great grandchildren, Katana and Kema Alumbaugh; son-in-law, Melvin Simmons of Evansville, IN.

Special thanks to his caregivers, Mary Ellen Johnson, Jean Monroe and Lana DeVillez, and Deaconess Hospice.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M Tuesday Oct.7, 2008 at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel in Oakland City with burial in Montgomery Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM. until services on Tuesday.