LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP - Judge Clinton W. Smith, Loyalsock Township, PA and Eagles Mere, PA, served for more than 22 years on the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas, died December 30, 2016 at home after a 20+ year battle with cancer.  He was 83.  He was born on December 15, 1933 in Williamsport, PA , the son of Edward B. and Dollie Wilcox Smith.

Judge Smith, a 1951 graduate of South Williamsport High School, earned his undergraduate degree from Lycoming College and his law degree from Dickinson School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree in 1958.  He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve from 1958 to 1964.

Judge Smith was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1959 and practiced law with Don Larrabee until 1966 when he and colleagues founded the law firm of Stuart, Murphy, Hager and Smith.  He served as assistant district attorney from 1964 through 1968. He was first appointed to the bench by Governor Dick Thornburgh in 1981, which launched his career in public service.  He was then elected to a full term as a Lycoming County judge later that year and was retained two additional 10-year terms in 1991 and 2001.  He became President Judge in 1996.  In 2003, Judge Smith retired from his responsibilities as President Judge in Lycoming County and became a Senior Judge serving primarily in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area focusing on the area of family law.  He was widely praised and respected by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton legal community for his handling of challenging custody cases and for always looking out for a child's needs.

Judge Smith was very active in his community. He was elected to the Board of Trustees of Lycoming College in 1983 and became an Emeritus Member of the Board in 2010.   While serving on the Board, he chaired the Academic Policy Committee, he was a member of the Executive Committee and the Buildings and Grounds Committee.  His wisdom and counsel benefitted Lycoming College in so many ways.  He was a member of Pine Street United Methodist Church serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, he also was a member of the Boards of Trustees of Chamber of Commerce, United Methodist Home for Children, Friends of the Court, Lycoming County Child Day Care Center and Lycoming County Association for the Blind, Lycoming County D.U.I. Advisory Council and served on the Prison Board.  He was a member and past President of the Ross Club and a member of Masonic Lodge and the Williamsport Consistory.

Many will remember his fondness for hunting, golfing with friends, cheering on Penn State football and going to as many games as his schedule would allow. Judge Smith was an ardent baseball fan, coaching and supporting Little League, and supporting the Phillies and New York Yankees.   He was also a wonderful grandfather and very valuable sounding board for both family members and younger colleagues.  His astute mind, calm demeanor and thorough processing will certainly be missed by all.

Judge Smith was married to Mary (Keliher) Gibbs Smith, his wife of 20 years and is survived by her and his son, Christopher P. Smith of Brooklyn, NY, his brother Dr. Clifford (Janice) O. Smith of Wilmington, DE, stepson Matthew (Kathy) T. Gibbs II of Monterey, CA, and stepdaughter Margaret (Kevin) Gibbs Richardson of Beverly, MA.  He is also survived by his granddaughters Maura H. Smith and Caitrin G. Smith of Brooklyn, NY and step grandchildren Kiley M. Gibbs and Matthew T Gibbs III of Monterey, CA and Eleanor G. Richardson and Zachary G. Richardson of Beverly, MA.

Memorial donations may be made to Lycoming College 700 College Place Box 165, Williamsport, PA 17701; Pine Street United Methodist Church, 441 Pine Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 or   Susquehanna Cancer Center, c/o Divine Providence Hospital, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.

The funeral service will be held at the Pine Street United Methodist Church 441 Pine Street Williamsport, PA on Wednesday January 4th at 10:30AM.

Arrangements are being handled by Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation and Funeral Home, 500 West 4th Street, Williamsport.