Joel Dea Smith, son of the late John F. Smith and Lenore (Short) Sanders Smith, was born June 17, 1941, in Sycamore, Missouri and departed this life at his home on January 28, 2023 at the age of eighty-one years.
Joel attended Dora High School and after graduation he attended Southwest Missouri State and later he attended Columbia College where he received his Associate degree.
He joined the United States Army and proudly served his country.
On December 22, 1963 he married Lynda (Croney) Smith and left for a 13-month tour in Vietnam, upon his return he was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and then later was transferred to Fort Lee, Virginia until the end of his service.
After his time in the Army he was employed by Naegele Advertising Company in Kansas City, Missouri and then moved to Springfield, Missouri where he worked for City Utilities. He then had the opportunity to move back to his hometown of Sycamore and was employed by Contel Phone Company until his retirement. After retirement he worked on the family farm and also was employed by the Dora School District where he drove a school bus for another 19 years.
He was a Christian and loved his wife and children and taught them to love the Lord. He loved spending time on his farm. When the grandchildren came he was the best Papa and he loved them so much and enjoyed spending time with them at their countless activities that he never missed until his illness prevented him from going. Next came the great grandchildren which he adored as well.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynda Smith of their home in Sycamore Missouri, one son, Greg Smith and wife Sonya of Nixa, Missouri, daughter Crystal Warren and husband Jasper of West Plains, Missouri and daughter Natalie Rodgers and husband Chris of Willow Springs Missouri. Nine grandchildren, Tanza Smith, Canyon Smith, Bryn Smith, Weston Warren and wife Allison, Kendra Shankle and husband Justin, John Garrett Warren, Drew Rodgers and wife Michaela, Landon Rodgers and Jace Rodgers. Four great-grandchildren, Remi and Kimber Shankle, Halynn Rodgers and Langston Warren. Four sisters, Maggie Newton, Jefferson City, Missouri, Shirley Hambelton, Gainesville, Missouri, Sharon Wilson and husband Don of Ozark, Missouri and Connie Collins of Dora, Missouri, several nieces and nephews and his best friend Elvis Franks as well as many other friends.
His parents and infant brother Ronald Smith preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Family Life Church in Dora, MO with Zak and Don Hamby officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2023 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel in Gainesville, MO. Burial with full military honors will be in the Smith Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St Louis Children’s Hospital, One Children’s Place, St Louis, MO 63110. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
