Louis Smithey

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Louis Smithey, 88, of Mexico, passed away at 6:06 a.m. on Dec. 16, 2020 at Pin Oaks Living Center.

Louis was born on Nov. 5, 1932, a son of Stockwell and Anna Maud (Talley) Smithey.

He graduated from Mexico High School in 1950 and then served in the Army at Fort Sill, Okla. from 1952 to 1955.

On Feb. 20, 1955 he married Mary Jane Martin and she survives at the farm where they lived for 65 years, celebrating this anniversary in February.

Louis was a member of First Baptist Church, having been ordained a Deacon at Littleby Baptist Church earlier and served as a Deacon and Trustee. Louis’s faith in God and love of the land resulted in him living on the same farm for 65 years. He raised cattle, hogs, and row cropped both corn and soybeans. His feelings were that he wanted to leave the land in better condition than he found it.

His family was active in 4-H where he served as a livestock project leader and then he served as President of the Audrain County Fair. He enjoyed feeding cattle and riding horses. He also served on the MFA board for several years and in 1978 was the recipient of the Kiwanis International Award for exceptional achievements in agriculture. In 1990, Louis and Mary Jane received the Dale Schnarre award from the Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

Faith, family and friends and especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought much enjoyment and joy.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane of the home; two daughters, Mila (Jim) Lowry of Mexico and Marcia (Chris) Beckett of Columbia; a daughter-in-law, Marcia Lynn (Eddie) of Parkston, S.D.; six grandchildren and families, Dawn (Jacob) Shellabarger, Eric and Audrey, Melanie (Andy) Utterback, Sophia and James, all of Mexico, Nathan (Micaiah) Beckett and Evelyn of Rosedale, Ind., Andrew (Lauren) Beckett and Mattis of Fort Worth, Texas, Jake Smithey of Parkston, S.D., and Jeff Smithey and fiancée Cassie Gerhardt of Memphis, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George and James; and a son, Eddie.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Arnold Funeral Home.

Visitation is Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Help Center Food Pantry. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.


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