Gilbert Smith's Obituary
Gilbert Donald Smith, son of Charles Roder and Rachel Mae Jennings Smith, was born June 18, 1932, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Friday, January 29, 2010, in the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital, in Columbia, Missouri, from a heart attack during surgery, at the age of seventy-seven years, seven months, and eleven days. On June 6, 1953, in Lebanon, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Lois Irene Dotson, and to this union three daughters and five sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Terry “Festus” Smith, and “Dee” Smith; a brother, Austin Smith; and two sisters, Mary Smith, and Ora Hart. Gilbert is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, who devoted the last twenty-six years of her life to his care, Lois, of the home; three daughters, Teresa Lynn Smith, of Lebanon, Missouri, Janell Mathews, of Sleeper, Missouri, and Lisa Gornto, of Charleston, Arkansas; three sons, Rama Smith, and Matthew Smith, both of Lebanon, Missouri, and John Smith, of Falcon, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Eugene Smith, of the State of Texas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in Lebanon and graduated from Lebanon High School. He entered the military as a young man, and served his country faithfully in the United States Army from 1949 until 1956. He was wounded while serving in the Korean War, and was finally awarded his Purple Heart in a presentation fifty years later. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Gilbert returned to Lebanon and to his wife, and they began lovingly raising their family. Gilbert was employed in various endeavors throughout the years, including working at Sears, farming with his father, and auctioneering. He worked in the car industry for many years, drove an over-the-road truck and repaired farm equipment. He also was a fur buyer and trapper. He possessed a gift for being able to fix anything mechanical. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, and all kinds of sports. He had coached baseball when his sons were playing, and also liked working in his garden and visiting with his friends. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren. Gilbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will remember him as a devoted family man, a hard worker, a patriotic citizen, and a good friend. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday February 2, 2010 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening 6-7:30 p.m. under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the American Heart Association. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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