Eddie 'Ed' Smith

Eddie L. “Ed” Smith, 79, Appleton City, the son of Albert Richard and Leona Beatrice (Lair) Smith, was born Aug. 11, 1929, in Cedar County. He passed away May 26, 2009, at Ellett Memorial Hospital, Appleton City.

Ed grew up in Stockton and Bolivar, later moving with his family to Appleton City where he attended and graduated from high school in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Ed worked as a driver for Burtay Gas Company in the early 1950s and then the Skelgas Company where he retired in 1985.

Eddie and Ellen Dorreen Swopes were united in marriage Nov. 5, 1950, in Eureka Springs, and to this union two children were born. He was a lifetime member of the Montrose VFW and belonged to the First Christian Church in Appleton City.

Ed loved a good joke and everyone knew where they stood with him as he always spoke his mind. He enjoyed a good western movie and loved to be outdoors hunting deer, fishing and boating at the lake. He enjoyed traveling to National Parks, taking his grandkids to Branson and visiting the Bass Pro Shops. Ed loved his family and spending time with them. The 4th of July fireworks were always at the top of his list of fun family times.

Preceding Ed in death were his parents; wife, Ellen Dorreen; and son, Richard “Bud” Smith.

Survivors include his daughter, Debbie Weno, and husband, Claib – Rockville; five grandchildren – Becky L. Allis, and husband, Scott – Lebanon, Bobby J. Wright, and husband, Gary – Aurora, Bridget Fennewald, and husband, Gerald – Appleton City, Colby Weno, and wife, Melissa – Appleton City, and Courtney Montgomery, and husband, Brian – Seymore; eight great-grandchildren – Jessica, Kimberly, August, Grace, Mattie, Gavin, Samuel and Allie; his companion, Pat Coleman – Roscoe; nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great nephews.

Services were held Friday, May 29, in the Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, with Rev. Bob Fenwick and Pastor Tony Reynolds officiating. Special music was The Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace sung by vocalist Tony Reynolds. Interment under the direction of Hill & Son Funeral Home was in the Appleton City Cemetery.

Casketbearers were Joe Swopes, Jim Swopes, Ronnie Parks, Harold Austin, Clifford “Hoot” O’Farrell Jr., Bob Stephan and Bob Parks. Honorary casketbearers were Johnny Parks, Gene Parks and Bill Bracher. Military graveside service was preformed by the Missouri Honor Guard.

Memorials are suggested to the Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation or Appleton City Landmarks Restoration.