Gary Dean Smith, Sr. (Buffalo)'s Obituary
Gary Dean Smith, Sr., age 79, of Buffalo, Missouri, entered into rest on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at his home with his beloved family by his side. Gary was born on August 24, 1946, in Fair Grove, Missouri to the late Eurman “Tom” and Nellie Lucinda (Sloan) Smith. Following High School, Gary was drafted into the United States Army serving in the Vietnam War as a combat engineer. Gary was a trucker who spent more than 40 years on the road providing for his family, this sacrifice caused him to miss out on many special moments in life. He was ten feet tall and bullet proof, but he loved fiercely. He was stubborn and ornery, always getting a kick out of pushing people’s buttons. He was a great storyteller and remarkably witty, with a laugh that was like none other. Gary was a fisherman at heart, that’s where he found his peace. He was also an all-around great outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, camping, cutting wood, mowing the yard and feeding his hummingbirds. He was a good mechanic that liked to stay busy tinkering in his garage. He also loved the occasional trip to the casino, playing cards and watching movies. Gary was a very proud and protective father of seven children. He was always there to bail his kids out of tight situations. He loved and cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they were the highlight of his life. Gary loved his family more than anything and his huge personality and loving spirit will be missed but continues to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Gary was preceded by his parents, his loving wife Linda Lee (Teson) Smith who he missed dearly every day, two grandchildren: Derek and Jeremiah, his brothers Larry, Keith, Dale and Jimmy, his sisters Sharon, Darlene and Melody. He is survived by his children: Gary “Dean” Smith Jr., David Smith and wife Jill, Dawn Nye and husband Dan, Stephan “Doug” Smith and wife Norma, Angela Smith, Brian Smith and wife Tina, Jennifer Smith and husband Nick. Grandchildren: Jeffery, Jordan, Joseph, David, Rickie, River, Zoe, Lily, Xander, Christian, Tristan, Dakota and Connor; great-grandchildren: Traven, Raylen, Alayna, Tytan, Bella, Arya, Emma and Lilah. Brother Tommy and sisters Lynn and Karla as well as various in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are asked to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Memorial services are set for Saturday, February 14, 2026, with a come and go visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and formal service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Vernon Leighty officiating. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home.
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