Smith Calhoun, age 76, Springfield, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2015, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by his family.
Smith was born in rural Wright County, Missouri, on November 14, 1939, to Ralph and Mae Calhoun. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother and father, his sister Geraline Hicks, and two brothers, Jerry and Albert Calhoun.
Smith is survived by his devoted wife and business partner of 51 years, Myrna, his two sons, Ed and David and wife Tammy; daughter Lissa Calhoun; six grandchildren, Michael, Colton, Carson, Stephanie, Ashley, and Arial; eight great grandchildren; brother Ron Calhoun and wife Joyce; three sisters Bonnie Gray and husband Larry, Lois Jones and husband Gary, and Shirley Lawler; brother-in-law, Ron Chambers; sister-in-law, Brenda Fowler and husband, Jerry; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, loyal friends, devoted employees, and trusted business associates.
As a young boy of only 12 years of age, Smith Calhoun went to work—he envisioned a better life for his family. He was a very driven individual, and as a result of that ambition and drive, he created several prosperous businesses over the past 50 years including Calhoun Trucking, Springfield Ready Mix Company, City Wide Ready Mix, and Missouri Commercial. Although he was a very successful businessman, Smith was also a very generous individual, who on many occasions, came to the aid of a family member or friend in need.
Smith was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine and Jesters.
Smith always enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to bird hunt, fish, and drive though the beautiful fields of his farms to sit and watch the cattle grazing in the fields. He was very proud of the prime farmland that he had acquired over the years and the many beautiful thoroughbred horses that he raised and raced during his days of better health. He truly enjoyed the time he and Myrna spent with friends at the race tracks.
Smith was blessed to have come from a large family of eight children, and he enjoyed spending time with them all. All the family members have very fond memories of gathering at Smith and Myrna’s home on the Sunday before Thanksgiving for a large family dinner. This event was held each holiday season for nearly 40 years.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with visitation from 11:00 to 1:00 P.M. prior to service. Interment will be immediately following the services at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Good Samaritans Boys Ranch at Brighton, Missouri or the charity of your choice.