- This eternal flame burns forever
- in remembrance of Paul Flatau Smith -
Paul Flatau Smith, age 74, of Wilburn, Arkansas passed away on June 30, 2015 in Little
Rock, Arkansas. Born on May 18, 1941 in Copenhagen, Denmark, he was the son of the late
Aage Hans Christian Smith and Emma Louise Carla Flatau.
Paul came to America by boat, with his parents and sister when he was 11 years old.
After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. navy as 3rd class bosenmate aboard
The U.S.S. San Pablo. He married Patricia Burkhart in 1966 and they were happily
married for 49 years.
They raised 3 children and were blessed with 7 grandchildren.
He was the owner of the Lake and River Inn in Heber Springs, Arkansas for
the last 26 years. They loved to play games and cards and travel with their family
and friends including several RV camp outs with the Sugarloaf Sams club,
which he eventually served as the assistant state director of Arkansas.
Paul was always involved in his community including the countryside Men's Club,
Danish brotherhood, founder of Heber springs A&P commission, skipper for the
U.S.S. San Pablo's yearly reunions, and a proud American legion member for 26 years.
Paul was known to always help people. He enjoyed carpentry work and was known as a
jack of all trades. He renovated several local businesses and homes, making many
friends along the way. He provided a place to live for many, but he especially enjoyed
friends and family visiting Pat and him at the motel from all over the country.
He was a giving person with a huge heart. He was an inspiration to many with his
dedicated work ethic and humor. He was usually found behind the counter at the
motel with his white t-shirt on, waiting to meet the next person to walk through
the door. He lived by his favorite quote
"There are no strangers here, only friends we haven't met yet".
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Jordan Smith.
He is survived by his wife Pat Smith of Wilburn, Arkansas, his sons Ken Smith and
his wife Robin and their children Syreana, Emmaleigh, Jacob, Micaah and Annabelle of
Parrish, Florida and Bill Smith of Wilburn, Arkansas, his daughter Paula Schlabowske
and her husband Steve and their children Hayley and Carli of Dwight, Illinois,
his sister Hanne Peeler of North Carolina and
seven grandchildren.
Mr. Smith is also survived by his other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Olmstead Funeral Home
with a memorial service following at 12:00pm. A meal will follow the service at the
American Legion Post 64.
The American Legion Post 64, 49 Park Rd, Heber Springs, AR 72543
will hold a Honors Everlasting service at 3:00pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Quitman United Methodist Church,
44 College St Quitman, Arkansas 72131.
Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home.
Sign Paul's Guest Book
Though He's gone, He is not forgotten.
Though absent, He remains in spirit.
Though once a worker, He now rest.
by The Arkansas Good Sams
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