1924-2018

In Our Care…

Stewartsville, MO…

John L. Smith, 93, of Stewartsville, passed away on May 10, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral service, with Military Honors, will be held at Turner Family Funeral Home, on Monday,  May 14, 2018 at 10 am, with Pastor Paul Zimmerman officiating.  Christian Burial, with full Military Honors will follow at Stewartsville Cemetery.  Visitation 6 to 8 PM  Sunday at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Turner Family Funeral Home of Stewartsville, Mo.

John was born in Ravanna Mo. to Joseph L. and Nellie (Orndorff) Smith, on Aug. 26, 1924. On May 26, 1952, he married Edith M. Davis. She preceded him in death, Mar 8, 2017.

John worked tirelessly, as a lifelong row crop and cattle farmer, implement dealer, (owned and operated Smith Implements), and 40 years as an over the road truck driver, retiring from Churchill Truck Lines.

He was part of what has been dubbed “The Greatest Generation,” serving in the U.S. Navy during W.W. II. John deployed on The USS Richmond, sailing in various combat zones, including Pearl Harbor, and Tokyo Bay, during the signing of the famed Peace Treaty.

John was a 50+ year Master Mason and a member of the Culbertson United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his five children, Dan Schmidt, Houston, Tx., Wes Smith, Troy, Mo., Bren Stimson, Stewartsville, Linda K. Smith, Durant, Ok., and Joseph Smith, St. Joseph.

John also leaves 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, as well a sister, Jane,(Wilber), Craig, of Cheyenne, Wy., and Sister in Law, Betty Smith of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Charles Smith, and sister Mary Watkins.

John unselfishly loved his family, and was a wonderful father and grandfather.

He thoroughly enjoyed working with cattle and exotic animals, and had an great sense of humor. He loved tractors.

John had much concern for the younger generation of farmers and tried to contribute to their success in any way possible.

Memorial donations may be made to: The Masonic Hospital, or Stewartsville Cemetery in care of Turner Family Funeral Home, Maysville, Mo. online condolences: www.turnerfamilyfuneral.com