Transcribed Obituary for Okmulgee County, Oklahoma



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Transcribed & Submitted by: Shelley Lynch		

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Chester A. “Chet” Smith, 92, a resident of Okmulgee, 

died Wednesday, August 16, 2006 in Henryetta, Oklahoma. 

He was born Thursday, July 9, 1914 to Clyde E. and Artie H. 

(Shannon) Smith in Lampasas, Texas. 

	

Chet and his family moved to Okmulgee in 1925. Chet was 

interested in music since the age of fourteen, when he bought 

his first guitar for $2.98. He began to practice and was signed 

to play with the “Tennessee Valley Boys”. He played “Live Music” 

for Okmulgee’s KHBG Radio in the mid 1930’s. In 1938, he 

formed the “Western Swingsters” Group and the 10 Member 

Group played dances all over Oklahoma. In the 1940’s, Chet 

worked as the “Cities Service Distributors” and in 1954, he worked 

for Sinclair Oil and later for Mobil Oil Corporation. He worked a 

total of 40 years in the oil business while he continued his love for 

music. He served in the United States Army and was a member of 

the Crosstown Pentecostal Holiness Church in Okmulgee. 

	

He was preceded in death by his parents and son; Jerry 

Smtih. 

	

Survivors include: one brother: Herbert Smith of Vernon, TX; 

one sister: Clara Crutchmer of Jenks.

	

Graveside Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2006 

at the Okmulgee Cemetery with Charlie Green officiating. Burial 

will follow the service under the direction of the Shurden-Kelley 

Funeral Home of Okmulgee. 

	

Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the 

Kelley Chapel.