Wendell Ray Smith, 84, of Eminence, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on January 25, 1938, in Bend, Oregon, a son of the late Raymond and Louise (Basham) Smith. He was united in marriage on August 6, 1955, to Glenna Shoults. Wendell’s priority in life was serving the Lord and providing for his family.
Wendell attended Eminence High School and then continued his education at Rankin Technical School for machinist training. He worked as a machinist at Grand Manufacturing and then American Can Company until his retirement in 1995.
In 1965, Wendell was ordained as a Deacon at Sandy Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Missouri. He served the Lord wherever he attended church as Deacon and in various positions.
He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Glenna; one son, Jim Smith (Sherry) of Bismarck, MO; three daughters, Wendy Ash (Jim) of Farmington, MO, Donna Spurgin of Summersville, MO, and Karla Daffron (Alan) of Dora, MO; nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Derrick, Mandy, Matt, Joe, Elisha, Kate, Deanna, and Kadyn; eleven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Vesta Mostella (Richard) of Oakridge, Oregon and Rosemary Keeling of Summersville, MO.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William and Clifton Smith; father and mother-in-law, Jim and Erma Shoults; brothers-in-law, Dewain Shoults and JR Keeling; and sister-in-law, Kathryn Smith.
After retirement, Wendell and Glenna returned to the farm near Eminence, where he enjoyed the simple life of family, friends, farming, and hunting.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Eminence, Missouri, with Pastor Paul Wellinghoff and Pastor Alan Stringer officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence. Interment will be in Flatwoods Cemetery, Eminence. Memorial donations may be made to BEST which is a vocational scholarship program available at Eminence High School. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
