Timothy Edwin Smith, age 48 of Ridgecrest, CA passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2015, in Los Angeles, CA.
Timothy was born in La Porte, IN on October 1, 1966 to Robert J. and Jane Ann (Fisher) Smith. Surviving are his parents of Rolling Prairie, IN; two brothers, Robert J. (Sarah) Smith and Thomas K. (Terilynn) Smith both of La Porte, IN; four nieces, Kaitlyn, Calleigh, Kristen and Tommilyn; and friend Minh-Khue Nguyen who currently resides in Arlington, VA.
Tim worked as the Senior Fire Control Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems Engineer responsible for the advanced technology development, demonstrations and Project Management of NAVAIR and ONR Science and Technology future capability improvements for the F/A -18 Super Hornet and Tactical Aviation programs at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The F/A-18 Super Hornet was Tim’s favorite plane in which to fly.
He graduated from New Prairie High School in 1985 and went on to graduate from Purdue University, West Lafayette, with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Tim then obtained his Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University at Northridge. In 2003, he graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot School (Class 124) at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River. He was a member of the Rolling Prairie First Christian Church. Tim was very active and enjoyed traveling, hiking, water sports, golf, and coming home to help on the farm.
Private family services will be held and burial will follow in New Carlisle Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the First Christian Church (www.rpfcc.com), Rolling Prairie, IN or to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.