Welton "Smitty" Smith was born August 9, 1932, to the union of Allen and Ruth Shackelford Smith. He was subsequently raised by his step-father, John Packenham, and his Mother. Upon his graduation from the Old Woodward High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and spent four years faithfully serving his country in the Korean War Conflict, where he attained the rank of Sargent. He enrolled in the Associate Degree Program at Salmon P. Chase College and School of Law. He passed the Cincinnati Police Division examination and was sworn in as a Cincinnati Police Officer in April 1956. "Smitty" as he was called by fellow law enforcement officers, served diligently in Police Districts One, Two, Six, and Seven. In March 1971, he became the first African American in the history of the Cincinnati Police Department to serve in the new District One Communication Center. He remained in this position until he retired in July of 1985. His law-enforcement career spanned twenty-nine years of exemplary and dedicated service to the City of Cincinnati. He earned several certificates in criminal technology and apprehension through computers in the Regional Crime Information Center, Law Enforcement, Automated Data Systems and the National Crime Information Center in Washington, DC. He also received numerous letters of commendations from individuals and organizations for his humanitarian acts that he displayed in the performance of Police Officer Duties both on and off the job. Accolades from Police Officer Dr. Richard Rhodes said, "Welton is a dedicated police officer, a distinguished noble, a loyal Mason, an inspiration, and a true friend". Welton was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner. He was an avid sports fan and played on several baseball, basketball teams, and volleyball teams until his health began to fail. "Smitty" was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and one of the original organizers of the Sentinels Black Police Association. "Smitty" has now gone to his eternal rest and joins his Parents, and sibling, Willard Smith. He leaves to mourn his transition his beloved daughters and son-in-law: Mrs. Valita Karen Spears (Vincent), and Ms. Kim Yvette Fields, Cherished Sisters: Ms. Myrtle Bamberg-Hall, Ms. Delores Madaris. Grandchildren: James L. Smith (Carmen), Johnny Ray Collins, Jr., Kiamesha Collins, Vincent Spears, Jr. and Vinnessa Spears and a host of Great-Grandchildren, Nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special Friends: Ms. Rayola Coleman, Ms. Marcella Taylor. Brother Smith loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Lee Chapel AME Church, where he served in many capacities, Trustee and Steward Board, Senior Usher Board, Co-Captain for Men's Day and an ardent member of the Adult Sunday School Class. Brother Smith has stated at various times, "I do not forget the reasons for which there is some justice, but even more so, I remember the reasons for which there is so little". Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:30 am, on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at the Lee Chapel A.M.E., 2009 Pogue Street, Cincinnati (45208); FOP service at 11:30 am with the funeral service immediately following at 12 noon. Entombment is in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. You may express online condolences at www.HerbWalker.com. Walker Funeral Home of Mt. Healthy is serving the Smith family.

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