Henry Calhoun "Cal" Smith

Henry Calhoun Smith, known to most as Cal, passed away in the early morning hours of July 12, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 74. While Cal had faced several medical challenges in recent years, his passing was unexpected. Cal lived a life marked by unparalleled generosity, humor, and service. He will be deeply missed, but he is finally at peace.

Cal was born on May 8, 1951, and grew up in DeSoto Parish. A proud graduate of Mansfield High School (Class of 1969), Cal was remembered even then as someone who could light up a room—sometimes with charm, sometimes with mischief. He had a bright spirit and a clever streak that could make even the strictest teacher crack a smile.

He went on to attend Louisiana Tech University, where he studied Zoology and joined the Sigma Nu fraternity, forming lifelong friendships. After college, Cal’s journey took him from New Orleans to Mexico before he finally settled in Shreveport, where he built a family with the love of his life, Marla.

Cal was an intellectual and deeply generous man, always ready with a quick wit and just seconds away from saying something inappropriate. He was the kind of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back, no questions asked and without checking if he had a spare. Over the years, he wore many hats: football coach, high school teacher, college professor, nursing home administrator, and Director of Physician Services at Desoto Regional Hospital, a role he held for 21 years. Later in life he fulfilled his dream of becoming a chef and restaurant owner before retiring. To his six grandchildren, he was simply “Pop”—encouraging, warm, and reliably hilarious, especially during his annual readings of Drummerhoff and The Cajun Night Before Christmas.

Cal’s love of fishing and the outdoors was strong, though chronic back issues and nerve damage in his legs eventually limited his time outside. Still, he never missed a chance to watch the sunset over a calm lake, surrounded by good food, drinks, and lively conversation. During his final year, Cal discovered a love for painting and left behind a collection of colorful pieces to share with family and close friends. Above all, he treasured his family and every moment they shared. The sincerity in his voice when he said, “I love you too,” will forever be unmatched.

He is survived by his wife, Marla (Shelton) Smith; his son, Judd Smith (Jess Ward) of Shreveport; his daughter, Lindsay Cavin (Wes) of Choudrant; and his six grandchildren: Cason, June, Sawyer, Ward, Crosby, and Remy.

Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Polly Smith of Mansfield. If anyone greeted him first, it was probably Polly—with a pointed, “Well, you could’ve at least gotten a haircut!”

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the physicians, nurses, and hospital staff who not only cared for Cal, but also laughed at his stories and welcomed his irreverent charm during many visits over the years.

A celebration of Cal’s life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 5–7 p.m. at his home church, Christ Memorial Episcopal Church at 401 Washington Avenue in Mansfield, LA. This will be a casual, come-and-go gathering, and friends are welcome to stop by and share a memory. The family extends special thanks to the Episcopal Christian Women for their support and for graciously hosting the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brother Lawrence Ministry at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church. This ministry, which Cal helped found in 2010, began as a small effort to serve a weekly meal to five or six homebound individuals. It has since grown to feed over 50 people weekly, with each meal prepared with love and prayer before being delivered throughout the community. Cal remained deeply connected to this ministry and loved any chance to get back in the kitchen and cook for others.

Cal’s unmistakable presence will be missed—but never forgotten. He had a playful habit that his children loved—whenever they asked where he was going, he’d simply reply, “Chicago.” Now, as we say our final farewell, we like to think he’s finally made that trip.

See you in Chicago.