The Reverend John Walter Smith, 90, of Springfield, MO, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2013, following an extended illness. He was born May 12, 1922, in Atchison County, MO, and spent his early years farming near Tarkio.
John married Mary Ann Colletti on March 11, 1950, in Kansas City, MO; and she has been a wonderful helpmate and caregiver during their 62 years of marriage.
Upon answering God’s call to full-time ministry, John was licensed and ordained with the Assemblies of God, and pastored churches in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, and Missouri before retiring to the Pomme de Terre Lake area for fishing and relaxation. In 1999, the Smiths relocated to Springfield, MO.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; one son, Daniel Joseph Smith, Strafford, MO; one daughter, Esther Virginia (Larry) Wood, Springfield, MO; five grandchildren, Dannette Jeaniel (Chuck) Myers, Kingman, AZ; Tiffany Jane Allen, Republic; Summer Joy Smith, Springfield; Daniel Joseph Smith, Jr., Bolivar; and Walker Johnathon Smith, Strafford, MO; two great grandchildren, Michael Aaron Myers and Makayla Jane Allen; three sisters, Ethel Lillian (Phil) Dugger, Sikeston, MO; Mary (J. B.) Hamby, Springfield, MO; and Bettie Hull, Clarinda, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Cornelius Smith and Joseph Anna (Fox); two sisters, Opal Campbell and Blanche Hull; four brothers, Philip Smith, Melvin Smith, Fred Smith, and Ira Paul Smith; and a daughter-in-law, Helen Louise (Cason) Smith.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Greenlawn East Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 14, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Maranatha Chapel in Springfield, MO. A pre-service visitation will begin at 9 a.m. in Maranatha Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.