Jack E. Smoot

October 16, 1946 - December 19, 2017

Jack E. “One Eyed Jack” Smoot, 71 of Hot Springs passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017. He was born on October 16, 1946 in Stockton, California to the late Jack Harvey and Geraldine Smoot. Jack was a two tour Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, serving on active duty from 1963 thru 1966 and then on reserve status until 1975. He was Commander of the VFW Post #2278 from 2000 to 2005, where he earned the distinction of All American Commander in 2003 and 2004, member of the VFW Honor Guard, District 9 Commander where he was All State Post Commander. He also was Sargent of Arms for the VFW of the State of Arkansas, Boatswain Mate 3rd class LST1168 Wexford County, a member of Operation 112/SHAD and he received many Honorary Degrees with the VFW including MOC Seam Squirrel, Grand Commander of Arkansas for one year, 14th Supreme Commander for Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas for two years. He was a member of the Hollywood Creek Hunting Club. Jack fought a valiant fight with cancer for many years. He was predeceased by one brother, Robert Smoot, one grandson, Jason David Smoot, other extended family and many friends and comrades that have gone before him. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Tresa Smoot of Hot Springs, two sons, Jack (Tara) Smoot of Quitman, AR and Tommy (Sherry) Cockman of Hot Springs, two daughters, Tina Smoot Donoho and Kris Smoot, both of Hot Springs, one brother, Dan (Annette) Smoot of St. Paul, Minnesota, two sisters, Carolyn (Ed) Soris of Hot Springs and Adele (Larry) Bakeman of Butterfield, AR and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, sister-in-law Janice Smoot of Minnesota, sister-in-laws Vonda Knox, Vivian (Skipper) Scott, and Gloria (Sadie) Herron all of Hot Springs, one aunt, Ruth Gordon of Hot Springs, eleven grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who love him dearly. Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Hot Springs Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at the Hot Springs VFW Post 2278 at 2231 East Grand Ave with Pastor Mark Goad of Grace Bible Church officiating. Pallbearers are Tommy Cockman, Sean Kennedy, Jason Waterall, Nathan Waterall, Kenneth George, and Noah Donoho. Honorary pallbearers are Jason David Smoot, Caleb Waterall, Robert Smoot, Dan Smoot, George (Chicken George) Cantwell, Members of the VFW Post 2278, V.A.S ICU nurses, Wexford County LST1168 crew and members of the Vietnam Veterans Organization of Hot Springs. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery located at 241 Festival Street (follow the signs) with military honors by the U.S. Navy and the VFW Post 2278 Honor Guard.