Travis Funeral Chapel

Gary Lee Smith, age 78 of La Plata, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at his home. Born September 1, 1940 on a farm southwest of Beresford, South Dakota. Gary was born to Harry and E Alberta Smith, nee Horner and as a young child moved to Cedar Falls Iowa with his family.

He had 3 siblings; two brothers, Lowell D and Lyle H, a sister M. Evelyn Strayer; two sons, Daniel Lee of Las Vegas, Nevada and Christopher David of Sacramento, California; and one stepson Daniel F. Smith. He had 3 step-grandchildren; Drew Carlson, Blake Benson and Bridget Rickett.

He graduated from Finchford High School in 1958. Gary farmed with his dad Harry in Cedar Falls and Waverly, Iowa. He married Shirley A. Smith in Grundy Center, Iowa on March 28, 1978. They made their home at first on a farm northeast of Waverly and then in Cedar Falls. Besides farming, Gary was proud to have worked for John Deere at the Waterloo Tractor Works and the Engine Factory for 37 years. After his retirement, they moved to La Plata, Missouri, Shirley’s home town. In La Plata, Gary and Shirley were busy in retirement, volunteering for many years at the Kirksville Library, the Red Cross blood drive. He was a past president of the La Plata Lions. Gary was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Being the last of his generation, Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his 3 siblings and his step-daughter Cheryl Smith.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, his two sons and stepson.

Services will be held at 11 AM Friday, November 2, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in La Plata, Missouri.

Memorials in memory of Gary may be made to the La Plata Lions Club, or the La Plata Baptist Church. They may be sent to or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, Mo. 63549.