Neal Edward Smith

Neal Edward Smith was born March 23, 1920 and died on November 2, 2021. In his over 101 years he lived a remarkable life. He was the third child of James and Margaret (Walling) Smith, following older siblings Kenneth and Mildred. He grew up on a farm near Packwood, Iowa. He loved nature and the out of doors and later he would share that love with the people of Iowa. He attended a one room school house where he often listened to the older students’ lessons and his penchant for learning took him many places and never stopped. He lived through the depression and found creative ways to raise income. Beginning as a teenager he managed farms for nearby farmers, owned a gas station and offered dances at the Packwood Community Center.

He enlisted in the Army after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and was called up on his birthday in 1942. He served in the Army Air Corps as a pilot of a B-24 in the South Pacific. He was shot down twice during his tour of duty and was awarded the Purple Heart, nine battle stars, and the Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters.

After the war he returned to Iowa and married his wife of 70 years, Beatrix Havens whom he considered to be his partner in all of his life endeavors. Neal took advantage of the GI Bill. He attended the University of Missouri for one year before transferring to Syracuse University in New York. Neal, Bea and son, Doug returned to Iowa where Neal and Bea attended Drake University Law School, both graduating in 1950. In keeping with his belief in women’s rights, Neal and Bea went into law practice together. However, Neal’s interest in politics soon became his primary focus. He was elected National President of the Young Democratic Clubs of America in 1953. In 1958 he was elected to the US House of Representatives from Iowa and served there for 36 years. During his tenure in Congress he served on many committees including Government Operations, Education and Labor, and Appropriations. He chaired the Select Committee on Small Business, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice, Commerce and State and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. He authored the Anti-Nepotism Bill, the Wholesome Meat Act, the Commodity Future Trading Act, the Economic Opportunity Act as well as co-writing and sponsoring other legislation. His love of nature influenced him to shepherd authorization and appropriations for Red Rock, Saylorville, and Rathbun Dams so families could enjoy recreation together. In addition, he sponsored creation of what is now the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center and trails and green spaces established around central Iowa. He worked closely with both Democratic and Republican members of Congress, Iowa Governors and other Iowa leaders to promote the economic, social and recreational interests of Iowans.

Currently, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, the Neal Smith Federal Building, the Neal Smith Trail and the Neal and Bea Smith Law Clinic all bear his name. He was often writing, including personal poetry, and books including: Mr. Smith Went to Washington: From Eisenhower to Clinton, Hanging Out in Bur Oak, and, in 2019, From My Century to Yours: Wisdom from the Near 100 Year Life of Former Congressman Neal Edward Smith.

Neal was also a family man. He enjoyed attending his son, Doug’s, and daughter, Sharon’s, school events and was a generous and loving grandfather. Although quiet (especially for a politician), he had a sense of humor and enjoyed the company of good friends. He stayed active in many civic organizations up until the pandemic limited his ability to interact with others. He is survived by his son, Doug (Janet) and daughter, Sharon VanderSchel (Kevin); six grandchildren, Brennen Smith (Catrina), Ryan Smith, Emily Rice (Casey), Elizabeth Daggett (Clay), Ethan VanderSchel and Erin VanderSchel; 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

The family would like to thank Scottish Rite Park for the excellent personal care that Neal received from all the staff while living there.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request that contributions be made to the Friends of Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, or Iowa Legal Aid (Equal Justice).

Private family service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 10, 2021, followed by burial at Prairie Center Cemetery in Packwood, Iowa. Funeral service will be live streamed and friends are encouraged to join the family virtually through the link in his obituary at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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