Arthur Joe Smith, 64, formerly of Cordell, was born on October 24, 1951, and died September 24, 2016, in Quito, Ecuador. Joe attended Cordell High School and graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. His professional career as a licensed family therapist and educator spanned over three decades. Working for the State of Alaska, Joe designed and ran a treatment program for troubled youth. Later in his career, he headed an alternative education program at the Cordell Public School. He retired and moved to Ecuador in 2014. Joe is survived by his wife, Lucia Jarrin of Quito, Ecuador; and siblings, Randy Smith of Cordell, Jeff Smith of Yukon, Jamie Dumas and her husband, Roy of Watonga, and Jim Smith and his wife, Diane of Medfield, Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerold and Claire Smith, and two younger brothers, Richard Smith and Jerry. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Cordell Public School Academic Foundation, P.O. Box 171, Cordell, Oklahoma 73632. Per Joe’s wishes, a private service was held in Quito. No local services are planned at this time
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