Obituary for Wardell Caesar Smith, Sr.

"I was one of the young people whose life Major Smith touched. I still remember telling the folks about the black officer who oversaw my interview \"commissioning board\" for the Army in March 1975. My Aunt Willa had known him as a little boy and told a couple of funny stories about him that very day. He recommended that I be granted a Commission. I have always treasured my opportunity to serve in the Army and to work with my fellow servicemembers and Veterans. I interacted with him again when he and Phyllis oversaw the Fort Des Moines Military Museum. I was proud of him as a fellow soldier and citizen of Des Moines. To those who knew him, you need to tell his story to your children and your grandchildren about his kindness and his service to our Nation and our community. Rest easy, Mr. Smith!"