Ray “Gene” Smith

Ray Eugene “Gene” Smith passed away on May 18, 2009, while in Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines. Gene was 87 years of age.

Gene was born on a farm near High Point, Decatur County, on May 4, 1922, the second son of William and Melba Smith. While Gene was young, the family farmed in Decatur County, later moving to rural Millerton. Gene graduated from High School at Millerton and was Valedictorian of his class of four. In 1943, Gene began his service in the United States Navy, proudly serving aboard the U. S. S. Kretchmer; serving in both the European and Pacific Theaters. His ship was off the coast of Formosa when the war ended and soon thereafter docked at the island, rescuing  American Prisoners of War.

On Aug. 27, 1947, he married Betty Anne Danner. Born to them were six children: Steve (deceased), Lyle (Judy) of Monticello, Mark (Karen Lischer) of Marshalltown, Fran of Dallas, Brian (Kim White) of rural Nashua, and Bruce (Lisa) of Monticello.

Gene and Betty lived and farmed in Clarke County from 1950 to 1962. They still own and operate 80 acres of their farm. The family moved to Winterset in 1962, then Shelbina, Mo. in 1971, before retiring in Melcher in 1992. Gene worked for many years with farm supply sales; working for Reed’s of Truro and Reed’s of Winterset, followed by MFA, in Shelbina, Paris, Clarence, and LaBelle, Mo.

Throughout his life, family was always very important to Gene. Sundays were often filled with visiting his in-laws, his mother, or his siblings. He often supported activities with his children including Boy Scouts, Little League, fishing, camping, and nighttime raccoon hunting with Brian and Bruce.

Gene was deeply religious and active in churches in proximity to where he lived. Since 1992, he has been a member of the Dallas Christian Church.

He was very proud of his nearly 62 years of marriage to his wife, Betty. Celebrations of their 50th, 55th, and 60th anniversaries were very important to him.

Proceeding Gene in death were; his parents; his son, Steve; his brother, Vere; nephew, Dan Smith; and brother-in-law, Rex McMurry.

Gene is survived by his wife, Betty; his sister, Lois McMurry of Chariton; sons, Lyle, Mark, Brian, Bruce, and daughter, Fran; his four grandchildren: Gabriel and Eden (Bruce), Allie (Mark), and Karson (Brian); a host of nieces and nephews; and a very special great-great-great niece.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 22 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola with burial following at Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola.  Visitation will be on Thursday with family present 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Dallas Christian Church or Melcher-Dallas Fire & Rescue.

Music will be provided by Lisa Smith. Pallbearers will be Lyle Smith, Mark Smith, Brian Smith, Bruce Smith, Ron Smith and Gabriel Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Crow, Cliff Danner, Jim Smith, Dan Danner, Jerry Danner, Herman Danner, Gary McMurry, Dave Sanderson and Mark Fuller.