Gary Lester Smith, 75

Gary Lester Smith, 75, of Sedalia, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at his daughter's home in Sedalia.

He was born November 11, 1939, in Sedalia, son of Vera Keith Petty (later Claas) and George Lester Smith.

He graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1957 and served in the U. S. Navy. He worked for Kitty Clover and Guy’s in potato chip sales, performed with his band Gary Smith and The Sundowners at Smith’s Country Music Barn and was an antique dealer.

Mr. Smith was a member of the Mason Granite Lodge 236 A.F. & A.M.

He enjoyed telling stories with his friends, visiting with the girls at North 65 Café, going to auctions and collecting antiques, playing cards, listening to and playing good ole country music, fishing, and hunting. He loved sports, especially softball and baseball, and he truly loved going to activities involving his grandchildren.  His rhymes and classic statements will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his children Matthew Smith (Desiree) and Carmen Smith; his grandchildren, Sadie Reeser, Michael Smith, Zane Reeser and Jack Benton; and his sister, Marilyn (Dale) Anderson, all of Sedalia.

He was preceded in death by his sons Gary Smith, Jr. and Grant Smith; a sister Barbara Bunch,  and Virginia (Tina) Kindle Smith, wife.

Honorary Pallbearers are Julie Bunch, Lauren Burns, Jana Sprinkle, Malinda Snyder (Rocky Jett), Darian Weeks, Kerry Pyle, Jeff Arnwine, Tom Beck, Larry Callis, Don Thornton, Tom Darrah, Junior Jeffries and Jack McMurdo.

Services will be Saturday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m., at Heckart Funeral Home with the Rev. Corbett Martin officiating.
Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Shriner’s Hospital.