Troop 533 – Munster, IndianaSince 1927

Sep 19th Ted Smith

From Jim Carr-

Fellow Scouters:

On Saturday evening, Jon T. (Ted) Smith passed away at his home in Tampa, Florida after a courageous battle with cancer.  Ted was a long time Scout and Scouter from Munster, Indiana.  He grew up in Munster and was a scout in Troop 33 (later Troop 533) and Post 33 in the late 1950’s.  In 1965 – 1966, Ted became the institutional representative from the Munster Lion’s Club to Troop 533 at Elliott School in Munster.  In this role, he was not just a figurehead but attended troop meetings and court of honors.  Literally, every scout in the troop knew Mr. Smith as “their IR” from the Munster Lions.  In the late 1970’s when Troop 533 was struggling, Ted agreed to become the Troop Committee Chair since his son was in the troop.  In the early 1980’s, Ted moved to the role of Assistant Scoutmaster and also served as “chief cook” for the scout leaders on campouts.  As the partner in his family’s business, Smith & Brooks Meats in Hammond, Ted cooked incredibly delicious meals on the open fire and in dutch ovens.  The scout patrols would always checkout his meals for the adults and would often replicate his menus on subsequent campouts.  With his fun loving and adventurous attitude, he was always popular with the scouts.  In 1985, Ted gladly accepted the position of Scoutmaster for Troop 533.  While two scouts would attain the rank of Eagle under his tenure, many more scouts were inspired to advance to Eagle Scout in the years following his term.  In addition to being continuous active with Troop 533, Ted also was a devoted member of the Order of the Arrow where he served as Chapter Ceremonial Advisor and a Chapter Advisor.  Some of the most memorable “tapouts” and opening ceremonies involved fire lightings with miraculous fire starts with a little help from friendly gunpowder.  During one year, Ted secured cowhides and one buffalo hide in order for the ceremonial team members to make their own authentic Indian regalia with shirts, leggings, and headdresses.  Ted was a recipient of the Michigamea Lodge Service award.  In 1987, Michigamea Lodge #110 recognized his efforts by awarding him the Vigil Honor with his Indian name, Nimawanachew, meaning “Provider”.  After Ted retired, he moved to Tampa, Florida.  At this time, I am not aware of arrangements.  He is survived by his partner, Luanne, his sons, Darryl and George, his grandsons, JT and Charlie.  “Scoutmaster’s Benediction: May the Master of all True Scouts be with us until we meet again.  Good Night Scouts!”  Good Night Ted.

Respectfully,

Jim Carr