Jeremiah R. Smith, Lt. Colonel-USAF, retired, age 95, of Anderson, passed away May 25, 2012, at St. John’s Medical Center.

A disciplined, keen, analytic and loving man has now joined his parents, brothers and sisters and a son after a brief illness. Recently described as a “Gentlemen’s Gentleman,” Jerry was born in Elwood, Indiana to Catherine (White) and John J. Smith nearly a century ago, Jerry was known for his ability to analyze everything around him from people to business opportunities to the stock market. He is also known for his quiet philanthropy.

After graduating from Alexandria High School, Jerry attended the University of Notre Dame and joined the U.S. Army-Air Corps in World War II. He rose through the ranks quickly and became an officer. He remained active in the Air Force as a reservist, eventually retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He is also a graduate of St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

In 1951, he joined two of his brothers, Joe and Ted, founding MACO Beverage, a wholesale beer distributorship. Eventually, the company become known as Indiana Beer and Wine and became a primary distributorship across central Indiana. He managed the company until the age of 80, when he and his brother sold it.

While he invested in many successful business opportunities through the years, his true love was analyzing the stock and futures markets, an endeavor in which his keen mind led to success.

On December 31, 1945, Jerry married Marjorie F. Stewart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They shared their lives together for more than 67 years, until Jerry left this earth on Friday May 25, 2012. They raised three sons, Stewart, Shea and Stacy. Jerry also became a mentor for many of his nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters, Margaret, George, Celeste, Charles, James, John, Kathleen, Joe, and Theodore, and his son Stewart. He is survived by his wife Marjorie, and his sons Shea (Delores) Smith of Anderson, Indiana and Stacy (Sharon) Smith of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Jerry has eight grandchildren: Lori (Mark) Kolbus, Christina (Mike) Cataldi, Noelle Alban, Jason Smith, Sean Smith Joel (Linda) Smith, Lisa Smith, Patrick (Stacy) Smith and 11 great grandchildren, Shea J., Taylor, Kevin, Sean M., Savannah, Emily, Matthew, Kelsey, Morgen, Aaron, Samantha and one great-great grandchild, Landon.

Visitation will be from 5pm to 8pm Tuesday May 29th at Brown-Butz- Diedring Funeral Home in Anderson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anderson at 10am Wednesday May 30, followed by entombment at Maplewood Cemetery.  Military graveside rites will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 266 Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Online condolences: www.brownbutzdiedring.com