Eugene Richard Smith

Eugene was born and raised in Cedar Rapids Iowa. He graduated from high school in Cedar Rapids where he was active in Football, music and formed a dance band named the Mercury Melodiers 1937-1938 where he was a drummer. Eugene graduated from the University of Iowa on the GI bill with Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. He also attended Iowa State University and Purdue University. He was a certified professional electrical engineer in Ohio, Illinois and Nebraska. He was also one of the first engineers to receive a “Certified Energy Manager” designation while in Illinois. Eugene served in the Marine Corps during World War II in the Japanese theatre where he was stationed on Saipan where he achieved a rank as first lieutenant at the time of his honorable discharge on June 1, 1946. Eugene married the love of his life Ione Card on June 20, 1946 and shared 59 loving years together. In his later years, Eugene used to chide that in his life “he had 3 weeks of total freedom when no one was telling him what to do or ordering him around.” Eugene spent the majority of his professional life as an electrical engineer with the Quaker Oats Company in Chicago Illinois. He was employed at Quaker for 22 years with his final position being Division Manager of Technical Services at the corporate office. He distinguished himself with many technical papers and pamphlets regarding high voltage electricity utilization in a manufacturing environment. He ended his professional career as an “energy conservation consultant” in 1980. Eugene enjoyed playing golf and tennis with his “over the hill” tennis team at the Prescott Racket Club. He also enjoyed numerous road trips with Ione to visit relatives and explore new places. He had a curious mind and could fix anything electrical. He will long be remembered and missed by his family and friends.