Louis E. Smith

Louis E. Smith, son of the late Thomas Beverly and Cora (Adams) Smith, was born November 14, 1922 in Ilmo, Missouri. Louis grew up in Missouri and Illinois and eventually his family moved to the Waynesville area where he graduated from Waynesville High School. On January 25, 1943, Louis enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully during World War II. He was honorably discharged on November 16, 1945 and had attained the rank of PFC. He earned five Bronze Service Stars for Campaigns. On January 30, 1942, Louis was united in marriage to Grace Smith. They shared over 57 years of marriage together before Grace preceded him in death on May 5, 1999. They shared eight children: Edward, Louis, Richard, Linda, Peggy, Charles, Nancy and Paul. On August 17, 2000, Louis was united in marriage to Opal (Fuller) Shelden. They shared over 11 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. Louis was a hardworking man. He was a driver for MK&O Bus Lines. He was the driver of choice for Evangel College Choir and Band. In fact, he was given an honorary choir membership. At the time of his retirement, he had over 1.5 million accident free miles. In his spare time, Louis enjoyed being outdoors: whether it was horses and trail riding or fishing. He also loved to garden. He was known for growing more tomatoes than he could ever use and he shared generously with the community. Louis was a member of the Odd Fellows. But most importantly, he had made a decision early in his life and had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as His Savior. He was a founding member and very active at Westside Baptist Church and had serve as Deacon and often worked to help build the church. In his later years, he became a member of Hickory Hills Baptist Church of St. Robert. Louis went home to be with his Lord at 3:55 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2012 in the Life Care Center of Waynesville having attained the age of 89 years, 2 months and 16 days. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Louis leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Opal Smith of St. Robert, MO; 8 children: Edward B. Smith (Shirley) of Waynesville, MO, Louis E. Fieser (Pat) of St. Louis, MO, Richard R. Smith (Karen) of Rolla, Linda J. Woods (Gregg) of Rolla, Peggy A. Peterson (Greg) of Ellston, IA, Charles L. Smith (Kim) of Bellingham, WA, Nancy L. Meli (Tom) of Kansas City, KS, and D. Paul Smith (Valerie) of Spokane, WA; 1 brother: Robert Smith; 26 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife Grace, Louis was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012 in the Westside Baptist Church with Rev. Lindell Shelden and Rev. Leo Gladden officiating. Soloist Noel Murray sang “Come to Jesus”, Soloist Becky Lercher sang “Amazing Grace” and Soloist Greg Gabel sang “Beulah Land”. Serving as escorts were Sam Gifford, Chad Alexander, Cody Weitzell, and Sean, Mark, Daren, Eric, Grady, Devin and Ryan Smith. Burial with military honors followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery with honors provided by the Missouri Honors Team. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Louis E. Smith

November 14, 1922 - January 30, 2012