Eddie C. Smith (Seymour)'s Obituary
Eddie C. Smith, beloved husband of Deborah Sue Smith, peacefully departed this life surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was sixty-seven years, eight months and twenty-three days young.
One of five children, Eddie was born September 20, 1946, to Melvin C. and Carol Brandt Smith, in West Plains, Missouri. Employment offers moved the Smith Family west to Oregon where he and his siblings were raised for many years. The Smiths later relocated back to the central states and, in 1964, Eddie would graduate from Topeka High School in Topeka, Kansas. Eddie married Deborah Sue Chambers on August 30, 1968, and to this union three sons were born. He joined the United States Navy in 1966 and proudly retired after over 28 years of dedicated and honorable service to his country, including the Vietnam War. Eddie was extremely proud to be a U.S. Veteran and became a member of the Seymour American Legion and VFW. He volunteered in the Seymour community when able and those who knew Eddie knew he’d “give the shirt off his back” to anyone who needed it. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Carol Smith; and two brothers, Bill Smith and Clinton Smith. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 45 years, Deb Smith of the home in Springfield; son, Brian Smith of Nevada state; son, Edward “Rowdy” Smith and wife Suzanna, of Seymour; son, Russell Smith of Springfield; four grandchildren whom he adored, Bella, Trenton and Jillian “Jilly Bean” Smith, all of Seymour, and Raven Graham of California; sister, Corky Hunter of Kansas; brother, Joe Smith and wife Jane, of Kansas; sisters-in-law, Judy Slothower of Springfield, and Sheryl Jones and husband Don, of Colorado; brother-in-law, Randy Chambers of Florida; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family; and a host of dear friends, neighbors and comrades. Eddie C. Smith was a loving and caring husband, an adoring and dedicated father and grandpa, and a loyal brother and friend. He was a retired serviceman, a Vietnam Veteran, and a brave soldier and sailor who loved his country. He will be fondly remembered as a very intelligent man who could tinker with and fix anything and he loved encouraging his grandchildren to do the same.
We take this time on this day to honor Eddie Smith and his life and accomplishments and the legacy he leaves behind. He created a lifetime of memories and moments for his family and friends that will be treasured in their hearts and minds forever. Eddie will be so greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the Smith Family respectfully requests memorials be made to Navy Relief of Wounded Warrior Project.
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