Milbourn Lile Smith

 Milbourn Lile Smith was born in Hope, Arkansas on January 13, 1936 to Martha Francis Douglas Smith and Roy Norman Smith.  He passed away November 16, 2016 into the arms of the Savior he loved and trusted, Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents Martha and Roy Smith and his brother Norman Smith.   Milbourn was known as M.L., Mel, Daddy, Grandpa and Papa and is survived by his sister Linda Almond Jones and husband Earl of Dallas, TX, three daughters Laurie Finchum and husband Michael, of Irving, TX, Lisa Dryer and husband Paul of DeSoto, TX and Leslie Smith of Highland, Indiana; six grandchildren Jenna Williams and husband Nathan, Erin Sanchez and husband Darwin, Meagan Finchum, Allison Barger and husband Andrew, Katlyn Dryer, Nathan Strom and wife Asia. He also has six great grandchildren, Ryleigh Moyer, Aiden and Abigail Williams, Liam and Luka Sanchez and Brooks Barger. Additionally he is survived by his former wife and mother of his three daughters, Judy V. Smith of Dallas, TX, his longtime friend and companion Janet Cavanaugh of Orland Park, Illinois and former son in law Theodore Strom of Highland, Indiana.  Milbourn began his school days in Dallas, Texas graduating from Adamson High School in 1954. He was a professional engineer, a graduate of Texas A & M University and The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Civil and Environmental Health Engineering, respectively. He served for 8 years in the US Marine Corp Reserve as well as 9 years for the US Public Health Service, with 6 years as a Commissioned Officer.  During the past 40 years he worked as a principal project engineer and management consultant on projects throughout the world to design, permit, develop and construct many municipal solid waste control and recycling projects used to generate renewable energy. He was passionate about his work for the environment up until his final days. Besides his lifelong commitment to his work, he shared a deep love for writing and playing golf.  He traveled with his golf clubs all over the world as he perfected his game. This inspired him to write his first book, “Golf Mel’s Way.” He was also currently writing for the last 10 years on a book he called “Americo.” Above all, he loved his family, and was a kind and committed father, grandfather and brother. His legacy will live on through the lives of those he touched.  A Memorial Service will be held Monday November 21st 2016, 11:00am at Windsor Park Baptist Church, 750 W. Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto, TX 75115.  Final interment will be planned for a future date at the D/FW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. Interment with miliary honors will be held at 11 a.m.  on Friday, July 14, 2017 at DALLAS/FORT WORTH NATIONAL CEMETERY, Lane 3. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VA North Texas Medical Center, Hospice Wing-Community Living Center or to Windsor Park Baptist Church to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ, an important mission of Milbourn Smith.