Services for Stephen K. Smith, 57, of Palestine, will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, 422 S. Magnolia Street, Palestine, Texas with the Rev. Bruce Hay officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.

After a short struggle with cancer, Stephen passed away with his children and dear friends at his side on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas.

He was born March 12, 1955, in Ardmore, Okla. to Duane G. and Fern D. Smith. His family moved to Palestine in 1971. Shortly after graduation from Palestine High School, he worked for Oilfield Anchor Service Inc. He married Terresa Magallanezin 1980.

Stephen and his wife Terresa founded P&L Rental in 1996. They acquired Oilfield Anchor Service Inc. in 1999. Eilenberger’s Bakery was acquired in 2000. Eilenberger’s was operated until 2009.  After his wife’s death in 2008, this business was sold. In 2010, Stephen initiated Safety Logistics and purchased Select Service RV Repair.

Stephen was well known for his generous nature and his sense of humor. He always saw positive qualities in everyone. It was his desire to make the life of everyone that he was close to free from worry. He was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He enjoyed all forms of hunting and fishing. Living on Lake Palestine was a great source of happiness for him. The Fourth of July holiday was one of his favorite holidays. He derived great pleasure entertaining family and friends with large displays of fireworks on this day. He made sure birthdays and Christmas were always very special occasions for family and friends.

Stephen was preceded in death by his wife, Terresa, of 28 years in 2008; his sister, Debra Royall, in 2008; and sister-in-law, Eva Magallanez Herod, in 2007.  

He is survived by sons, Matthew R. Smith and Michael A. Smith, both of Tyler; daughters, Dr. Shannon Ozier of Cardiff By The Sea, Calif., and Samantha Beltran and husband Oliver of Palestine; grandson, Kaydin Ozier of Cardiff By The Sea, and granddaughter, Ava Terresa Beltran of Palestine; stepgranddaughter, Emma Beltran of Killeen; parents, Duane G. and Fern D. Smith of Palestine; parents-in-law, Joe and Linda Magallanez of Palestine; brothers, Warren Smith and wife Glynette of Brenham, and Bruce Smith and wife Elizabeth of Longview; sister, Janis Bishop and husband Michael of Palestine; brothers-in-law, Tucker Royall and Joe Magallanez Jr., both of Palestine; sister-in-law, Elisa Morgan of Palestine; numerous nieces and nephews; dear friends, Gloria Yeager, Shawnda Hartley Stone and Johnny Glover.

Pallbearers will be Hunter Smith, Joseph Magallanez, Johnny Glover, Russell Williams, Tristian Hartley and Julio Pereto.

Visitation will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Stephen Smith to the American Cancer Society.

View online at www.herringtonfuneral.com.