Cero Smith Sr.

Cero Floyd Smith, Sr.

Cero was a gift from God to his parents, being an only child. In 1937, the family moved to the colorful City of Denver, Colorado. Cero received his formal education in the Denver Public Schools attending, Whittier Elementary, Cole Jr. High School, and Manuel High School on the eastside of Denver. He grew up in the Arapahoe Street Projects in Denver with his lifelong childhood friends, Donna, Raymond, Charles, Clifton, Wiley, and Leoma.

Cero enlisted in the United States Army in July 1955 and remained until July 1957.  He was part of a Security Service Unit as a Communication Pole Climber. In this Unit, Cero did two Vietnam tours, where he had to climb and repair communication poles. After returning home for a while, he met and later married Juanita Arlene Horton in 1957, this marriage was later dissolved, and in 1974, he joined in holy matrimony with Nattie Barefield.

In 1958, Cero joined the United States Air Force and remained until he retired with honor in 1976. While in the Air Force, he traveled the world. His worldwide travels included military tours to England, Italy, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Tokyo, Turkey, Texas, and Denver. His favorite place during his travel was the Philippines. While in the military, he was exposed to Agent Orange and lost hearing in his left ear.

Upon Cero's retirement from the Air Force, he held many occupations. Some of these include working a "dirty" job with the Public Service Company, Pole Lineman, Car Salesman, Mail Handler at the Post Office, and a Correction Officer.

Cero enjoyed watching television. One of his favorite shows was Star Trek (all the many different series). He was a history connoisseur and loved watching documentaries about the various wars of the world, and enjoyed sharing the stories with others. He was a member of the Ebony Stars Social Group, which hosted many fun-filled parties. Cero's favorite football team was the Denver Broncos.  On any given Sunday during football season, you could catch Cero sitting on the sofa, smoking his cigarette, and flipping the channels watching football all day. Cero enjoyed his life and lived it on his terms.

To Know Cero Was To Love Him

He is preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Smith-Breazell; son, Jimmie Winston, and son, Jason Smith.

Cero Floyd Smith Sr. passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. He leaves to cherish his memory his six sons, Cero Smith, Jr. (Ranette), Keith Smith (Jacqueline), Rodney Smith, Eric Smith all Denver CO, Terrence Smith (San Antonio, TX), and Kojak Jackson (San Antonio, TX); one daughter, Valarie Nealey (Myron), Denver CO and Birmingham AL; nineteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and many friends.