William V. “Willie” Smith, 91, Moran, passed away Monday, Aug. 29, 2016, at Allen County Regional Hospital.
Willie was born Jan. 3, 1925, on a farm southeast of Savonburg, the son of Emmitt Robert and Anna Myrtle (Gemmill) Smith. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Savonburg High School in 1943. On Nov. 23, 1944, Willie married Betty G. Shepherd in Columbus. They lived in Savonburg, Stark, Elsmore and most recently in Moran. He farmed and sold cars all of his life. He worked for Taber Motor Co. in Chanute, Talley Chevrolet in Moran, and Ray Shepherd Motors in Fort Scott until he retired. His wife, Betty, preceded him in death Dec. 17, 2011.
Willie enjoyed hunting including rattlesnake hunting in Oklahoma. He will be remembered for riding his four-wheeler in local parades with his German shepherd dogs dressed in costumes.
Survivors include his three daughters, Cheryl Wallis and husband Jerry, Margaret Jackman and husband Danny and Nancy Houk and husband Lloyd, all of Moran; four grandchildren, Donnie Van Wallis and wife Darla, Claremore, Okla., Jay Jackman and wife Sara, Savonburg, Anthony Houk and wife Janell, Parsons, and Andrea Hottenstein and husband Rick, Humboldt; 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister, Mable Plum, and his granddaughter, Tammy Lynn Wallis.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with burial to follow in Rosedale Cemetery northeast of Stark. Memorials are suggested to Moran Baptist Church and may be left with the funeral home. Go to www.iolafuneral.com to leave a condolence online.
Willie Smith
