Lex Smith (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Lex Channing Alva Smith, son of Dr. Fred and Alma Dowty Smith, was born October 20, 1930, in Stoutland, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, November 11, 2010, in St. John’s Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, and twenty-one days.
On November 25, 1955, he was united in marriage to Margaret Aldine Barnes, and to this union one daughter and one son were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Channing is survived by his loving wife of fifty-fives year, Margaret, of the home; a daughter, Cynthia Holder, and her husband, Richard, of Nevada, Missouri; a son, Lex Smith, and his wife, Leanne, of Kirbyville, Missouri; two grandchildren, Ian and Alexandria Holder, both of Nevada, Missouri; a brother, Elliott Smith, and his wife, Doris, of Stoutland, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Stoutland area, and graduated from Stoutland High School. After he and Margaret were married, they made their home in the Stoutland community and lovingly raised their family. Channing was a farmer and also worked for the Railway Express Agency for several years, before going into construction work and building houses. He later owned and operated Smith Electronics, a Zenith dealership and repair service for several years. He was very proud of his association with the Zenith Corporation.
Channing was raised in the Wair Chapel United Methodist Church, where he often sang with his brother. He then attended Eureka Baptist Church.
In his spare time he enjoyed riding motorcycles. His family was very important to him and he was especially proud of his grandchildren. He always tried to put his family first in his life.
Channing was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the wonderful memories he made for his family and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Lex?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lex?
Share a story where Lex's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lex you’ll never forget.
How did Lex make you smile?

