John R. Smith, 79, a resident of Theodosia, MO passed away Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 at home in Theodosia, MO surrounded by family. He was born on December 7th, 1942 in Chicago, IL. He fought cancer for the last four years and had endured surgeries and treatments. He came out the other side, but he was weaker and visibly worn down. He just didn’t want to fight anymore. In the end the Cancer took him.
John was a loving husband, devoted and caring father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, great uncle. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Dorothea, Daughter Tracy (Tim Meal), Son Shawn (Kristy Martiny), Grandson Jake Meal, siblings Pamela (Jay Smith), Terry, Jan (John Fiermuga), Charles, numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his Mother Henrietta Smith (Staley), his Father John Smith and one Granddaughter Adriana Meal.
He was an all-around handyman and classic car lover! He enjoyed history channel programs, food, hot rod cars, country music, his collection of tools, DIY TV shows, action movies and above all, SWEETS! A good sweet roll, brownie or long john would suit him just fine. He was an avid fan of classic cars, Popular Mechanics and Mother Earth News. John would gladly take a ‘57 Chevy over a new car any day. ANY TIME! He was always willing to fix things, build things or just lend a hand and/or his own equipment/tools to help others. He was loyal to a fault and always gave others the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. John was the type of person who you might meet for the first time and he would put you at ease. He was quiet at times and verbose at others. In conversations he would remember details about others, that most would just dismiss.
He grew up in Chicago attending Reilly Elementary School and Carl Schurz High School. He relocated his family to Round Lake, IL in 1975. He and his wife moved to Theodosia in 2014 to live on their daughter’s farm during the winter months, summers were spent in Lake Delton, WI. at their summer home. He was very happy being up north near the Wisconsin Dells for those warmer months with his wife, family and too many friends to list. It is a place that holds many memories for all who knew him. John owned his own business in his earlier years. He also worked at Comar Electric in Chicago, IL. Certified Alarm in Berwyn, IL. Alden Press in Elk Grove Village, IL. and finally retired from ZF Industries in Lincolnshire, IL. In 1988.
John was always a fan of being able to sit most mornings at the local coffee shops and as such, he could tell you who, what, why and how they or their children or significant others were, did or are doing. To meet others, talk about news, the world’s problems and discuss ways to solve them. Though he occupied many a booth or counter seat at multiple restaurants/coffee shops over the years … there was one place that embraced him above all … He was an honorary Employee of Denny’s Diner in Wisconsin Dells. He was also a near permanent fixture at the Theodosia Bullseye most mornings before his illness. His nickname was 6:09, after his uncanny ability to arrive at the same time every morning. He was a creature of habit and followed a daily routine, when COVID hit and he could no longer sit in the Bullseye in the morning he would drive to town and sit in his car in the parking lot with his coffee while listening to the radio each morning, greeting others as they went in and out of the store.
We know he is in a better place now. No pain, no suffering. As he always said … in the words of Bobby McFerrin … “Don’t worry, Be Happy!”
We love you “Smitty” … Always!
John will be cremated as per his wishes and his cremains placed within the family plot at Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.
Memorial Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
