Glen H. Smyth

Glen H. Smyth, 84, entered into the presence of the Lord on Friday, July 22, 2011. Family visitation will be held at the Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road on Monday, July 25, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Glen's Life Celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. The service will be officiated by Reverend Jack Ridlehoover, Pastor Chad Mitchell, Dr. Jeff Reid, and Reverend Stan Allcorn. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in Dundee Cemetery in Dundee, Texas. Glen was born February 12, 1927, the son of Jot and Inda Smyth in Dundee Texas. He lived through his childhood there until he graduated from Holliday High School in 1945. He soon enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he played a vital role in bringing soldiers home from World War II during the Truman Administration. His service to his country was an incredible honor he recounted with pride even in recent days. He then sought higher education in 1946 at Tarleton College, now Tarleton State University. In 1947, he transferred to Texas Christian University to advance his education through 1949. In 1950, Glen's began working in oilfield supply, initiating a drive to succeed and a lifetime career as an entrepreneur in the oil field industry. He and a partner ventured into drilling wells in just a few years. In 1958, Glen launched the first of two oilfield chemical companies, Excel. In 1960, he founded Celex, his second oilfield chemical business which he owned and operated himself until his passing. Glen married his "Sweet," Helen Ruth Howard of Winters, Texas on August 19, 1966. Glen was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church for 47 years. Glen loved music with a special passion for Jazz and Western swing. One of his most beloved pastimes was traveling with his wife Helen to Western Swing Festivals throughout Texas. Glen also loved sports, especially the Texas Rangers, TCU Horned Frogs, and the Abilene High Eagles. The family wishes to thank the amazing staff of Hendrick Hospital-those who serve in ICU, Hendrick Hospice, A-3 and A-5-for the unconditional support, compassion, and servanthood they exemplied to Glen in his last days. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch, 501 Ben Richey Drive, Abilene, Texas 79602 or your favorite charity in lieu of flowers. Glen Smyth is survived by his wife Helen Smyth of Abilene, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by both parents, one brother Jot Smyth II two sisters Merrion Smyth and Lois Drummond. Glen's life and legacy will be remembered always by those who cherished him. In the tradition and passion of his love for Western swing, his boundless zest for life, and the certain hope of seeing us again, he's humming one of his favorite songs, "Happy trails to you till we meet again. Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then."