A funeral service for 1SG (Retired) Clement E. Smiley, Jr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2026, in Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Greg Baxter officiating.

The service may be viewed by following the livestream link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

Burial with military honors will follow in Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma.

Family to greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026, in the funeral home.

Clement Ellis "Clem" Smiley, 88, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away on August 30, 2026. He was born in Mt. Crawford, Virginia, on June 25, 1938. On September 8, 1962, in Giessen, Germany, Clem married the love of his life, Hannelore "Hanna," with whom he shared 64 wonderful years.

Clem dedicated twenty years of honorable service to the United States Army, retiring as a First Sergeant. His distinguished military career was marked by numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, the Order of St. Barbara Medal, and the Ancient Order of St. Barbara Medal. After his military retirement, he continued his commitment to public service through his work at the Lawton City Municipal Airport and later with the Federal Aviation Administration, retiring in 2003.

Known for his infectious smile and unwavering optimism, Clem often said, "I never have a bad day!" He devoted himself to his family, friends, and community, regularly organizing and attending Veterans reunions. As an active member of the 1st of the 14th Field Artillery Regimental Association, he enjoyed camaraderie with fellow Veterans. During his time in Germany, Clem also loved racing a modified Volkswagen, earning several racing victories. His hobbies included mowing, carpentry, and reading, and he cherished spending time outdoors. Clem never knew a stranger and genuinely enjoyed every opportunity to connect with others.

Clem was a devoted Christian. He was baptized at Bethany United Methodist Church in Weyers Cave, Virginia, and faithfully watched services from The First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, Texas. His deep faith was a guiding force throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hannelore Smiley; his parents, Clement E. Smiley Sr. and Evelyn Caracofe Smiley; his siblings, Ethel Smiley, Ruth Smiley, Shirley Turner, and Donnie Smiley; and his great-granddaughter, Karley Jayne Wilson.

He is survived by his daughter, Dee Walters, and her husband, Will; his son, Clement E. Smiley III, and his wife, Moniqua; his sister, Carolyn Swartz; his grandsons, Logan Walters and Jeffery Shott II; his granddaughters, Kara Wilson-Price and Vanessa McCowan; eight great-grandchildren; and many cherished family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Society in Clem's memory.