Dr. Lewis A Smith

"Lew"

Lew is truly our hero. He is a hero for our country and a hero for our family. Lew was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Lew was a native Wichitan and was born in 1924 at Wichita Hospital. His father, Frank, owned a paint store. His mother, Stella, was a devout Quaker and a founding member of the Friends University Church. Lew had a pleasant childhood, except for the vicious dust storms in the 1930's. Lew graduated from North High School in 1942. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, Lew enlisted in the Army Air Corp, but had to wait a year to join because he was only 17. After being inducted in February 1943, he completed flight training, receiving his wings and commission in March of 1944. The next six months were spent in  four engine flight and bomber crew training. Flying a fresh off the assembly line B-17 Flying Fortress to England, he completed 35 bombing missions over Germany as a Flight Commander and achieved the rank of Captain. Lew accepted his honorable discharge from the Air Corp in May of 1945. Lew went on to complete his pre-optometry requirements at Wichita University and moved to Chicago to attend the Chicago College of Optometry where he received his doctorate. After graduating he initiated an optometric practice in Wichita which eventually evolved into Eyecare Associates with Drs. Smith, Ernzen, McCarthy, Hawk and Eubank. Lew met and married the love of his life, Dee, who worked as a contact lens assistant. They eloped to Oklahoma on May 28, 1965. Lew and Dee raised daughter Loree and sons, Shawn, Shane and Shelby. Lew was very active in his children's lives. He took them swimming, was a soccer coach for many years and took them on many family vacations. Lew has given guidance and instilled the importance of family to his children. Lew's grandchildren gave him great joy. He attended many school musicals, dance recitals, soccer games, orchestra and band concerts and countless birthday parties. He was very proud of all his grandchildren. Lew enjoyed attending Wichita State baseball and basketball games. He was a season ticket holder and rarely would he and Dee miss a game. Lew retired from his optometric practice on December 18, 1996. Lew received many honors during his career including President of Wichita Optometric Society, President of The Heart of America Contact Lens Society, Heart of America Contact Lens Society Man of the Year 1973 and Kansas Optometric Association Man of the Year 1976. Lew was active in the Jayhawk Wing of The Commemorative Air Force, the Daedalian Fraternity of Military Pilots and The Eighth Air Force Historical Society and Museum. Lew endeavored to perpetuate the memory of what is now fondly known as The Mighty Eighth. He gave many speeches and presentations on his WWII experiences, was in Veteran's Day parades and featured on news specials. For all this and more he will always be our Hero!