Tributes

Collas Dunbar Smelser went to be with the Lord on January 28, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on April 7, 1920 on a ranch in San Saba, Texas. Collas was a career U.S. Air Force officer devoting 30 years of service to his country and serving in World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam War campaigns. Collas pioneered and oversaw air traffic control, radar and navigation systems for the Air Force saving numerous lives and improving air safety for the military. While stationed in Hawaii, Korea, France, the Philippines and many locations in the U.S.... Collas touched many lives in a meaningful and positive way. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1967, Collas worked in San Antonio Housing Authority management many years improving housing access for those in need. As a master photographer and long-standing member of the Shriners and Scottish Free Masons, Collas devoted much free time photographing multiple Shriner and charitable events in and out of San Antonio. As an avid outdoorsman, Collas enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and spending time in nature with his friends and loved ones. Collas loved and cherished his wife, children & grandchildren... going to extraordinary lengths to bond with them. Collas will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. His contributions and sacrifices made a positive and lasting impact on his country and all those around him. Collas was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Elaine Smelser; a daughter, Barbara Smelser; his sister Voncelle Candland and his former wife Nancy Parmer. He is survived by his sons Steven Smelser and Jeffrey Smelser; daughter, Penelope Williams; grandchildren, Holly Smelser, Ann-Marie & Alexis Smelser, George Potter, Tracy Potter, Cindy McCloud, and Kirk McCloud. SERVICES Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. The Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 12:00 Noon at the funeral home chapel. Interment with full military honors will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 3642 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78219

Tributes

Collas Dunbar Smelser

April 7, 1920 - January 28, 2012