Gary A. Smith (Hartville)'s Obituary
Gary Arnold Smith, son of Delbert Pfeiffer and Margaret Dobson, was born May 8, 1947 in Carol, Iowa. He departed this earthly life Sunday, January 8, 2017 at his home just outside of Hartville, at the age of sixty-nine years and eight months.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy of twenty-six years, and his father, Dilbert.
Gary is survived by his mother, Margaret Dobson, of West Plains, Missouri; two sons, Shane Smith and his wife Deneane, of Mansfield, Missouri, and Shawn Smith and his wife Scarlett, of Sparta, Missouri; two sisters, Diana Cole and her husband Gene, and Judy Grant and her husband Fred, both of Ozark, Missouri; a brother, Rick Smith and his wife Samantha of West Plains, Missouri; six grandkids, Weston, Maverick, Clay, Hailey, Bryleigh, and Laramie; a brother-in-law, Gerry Ball, of Ozark, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gary was raised in Coon Rapids, Iowa, but moved to Sparta, Missouri when he was in the second grade and graduated from Sparta High School. After he graduated, he continued his studies at SMSU and graduated with his bachelor’s degree. After he graduated from college, he met the love his life, Nancy Ball. The two would get married on August 2, 1969 and would be at each other’s side until Nancy’s passing in 1997. Gary and Nancy started their life in Butler, Missouri where Gary got a job with the FHA as a loan officer. After working for a few short years in Butler, the FHA transferred Gary to Bolivar, where he continued to work. Then in 1978, the FHA would transfer Gary one final time to Hartville, where he made his home permanent. After working for thirty-three years, Gary retired from the FHA in 2002.
Gary was an active member of the Hartville United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer. He was also part of the Lions Club, the Hartville Chamber of Commerce and was an active seat on the Gasconade Neighbors Board of Directors.
Gary loved to hunt, fish, and sit at LJD’s and drink tea. He also loved to spend time with his family, often playing cards and board games with his grandkids. Gary also attended his grandkids’ rodeos as often as he could.
Gary was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. We celebrate his life and many accomplishments and will always cherish the many wonderful memories he created.
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