Willis "Bill" Smith, 90, Bethany, (formerly of St. Peters, MO) died Friday, April 19, 2013 at a Bethany, MO nursing home.
He was born March 21, 1923 in Tulsa, OK, the son of James Ervin and Grayce (Chilcote) Smith. At the age of 5 his folks moved to Lamoni, IA. During his school years he helped in his folks grocery store and gas station. He enjoyed fixing and building things. He wanted a bike, so he got parts and built one. He graduated from Graceland University. He served three and a half years in the Army in World War II under General Patton.
After returning home he met Bernetta Bowen of Blythedale, MO They were married on June 23, 1951 in Independence, MO. She survives at the home.
Most of his adult life he worked as an aircraft inspector and a Tech. Rep., which caused them to live in several states. He retired from Boeing in 1981. He was a kind and gentle man and devoted to his wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Ruth Blake, Opal Allen, and Leila Connally, and brother, Joe Smith.
Survivors in addition to his wife are a Sister-in-Law, Aileen Gray; Brother-in-Law, Ray Jr. (Genie) Bowen; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was born March 21, 1923 in Tulsa, OK, the son of James Ervin and Grayce (Chilcote) Smith. At the age of 5 his folks moved to Lamoni, IA. During his school years he helped in his folks grocery store and gas station. He enjoyed fixing and building things. He wanted a bike, so he got parts and built one. He graduated from Graceland University. He served three and a half years in the Army in World War II under General Patton.
After returning home he met Bernetta Bowen of Blythedale, MO They were married on June 23, 1951 in Independence, MO. She survives at the home.
Most of his adult life he worked as an aircraft inspector and a Tech. Rep., which caused them to live in several states. He retired from Boeing in 1981. He was a kind and gentle man and devoted to his wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Ruth Blake, Opal Allen, and Leila Connally, and brother, Joe Smith.
Survivors in addition to his wife are a Sister-in-Law, Aileen Gray; Brother-in-Law, Ray Jr. (Genie) Bowen; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Willis "Bill" Smith, 90, Bethany, (formerly of St. Peters, MO) died Friday, April 19, 2013 at a Bethany, MO nursing home.
He was born March 21, 1923 in Tulsa, OK, the son of James Ervin and Grayce (Chilcote) Smith. At the age of 5 his folks moved to Lamoni, IA. During his school years he helped in his folks grocery store and gas station. He enjoyed fixing and building things. He wanted a bike, so he got parts and built one. He graduated from Graceland University. He served three and a half years in the Army in World War II under General Patton.
After returning home he met Bernetta Bowen of Blythedale, MO They were married on June 23, 1951 in Independence, MO. She survives at the home.
Most of his adult life he worked as an aircraft inspector and a Tech. Rep., which caused them to live in several states. He retired from Boeing in 1981. He was a kind and gentle man and devoted to his wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Ruth Blake, Opal Allen, and Leila Connally, and brother, Joe Smith.
Survivors in addition to his wife are a Sister-in-Law, Aileen Gray; Brother-in-Law, Ray Jr. (Genie) Bowen; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was born March 21, 1923 in Tulsa, OK, the son of James Ervin and Grayce (Chilcote) Smith. At the age of 5 his folks moved to Lamoni, IA. During his school years he helped in his folks grocery store and gas station. He enjoyed fixing and building things. He wanted a bike, so he got parts and built one. He graduated from Graceland University. He served three and a half years in the Army in World War II under General Patton.
After returning home he met Bernetta Bowen of Blythedale, MO They were married on June 23, 1951 in Independence, MO. She survives at the home.
Most of his adult life he worked as an aircraft inspector and a Tech. Rep., which caused them to live in several states. He retired from Boeing in 1981. He was a kind and gentle man and devoted to his wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Ruth Blake, Opal Allen, and Leila Connally, and brother, Joe Smith.
Survivors in addition to his wife are a Sister-in-Law, Aileen Gray; Brother-in-Law, Ray Jr. (Genie) Bowen; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
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