Mr. Richard Earl Smith, Jr., 56, of Pittsburg, Kansas, formerly of Oronogo, Missouri, departed this life on Monday, June 12, 2023.
Richard entered this life on May 29, 1967, in Joplin, Missouri, the only son born to the union of the late Richard Smith, Sr. and Lucille (Eshom) Smith. He was raised in Oronogo and was a 1985 graduate of Webb City High School. He furthered his education at MSSC in Joplin, receiving a degree in drafting. After college, Richard enlisted and served his country faithfully in the United States Army in the 203rd, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6. Following his discharge in 2001, he returned to the area to pursue his career in auto body and collision. In 2002, Richard began his employment with Sharp's Auto Body and Collison in Pittsburg, Kansas. Through hard work and love of his profession, Richard was able to purchase the shop in 2006. He was a member of the Pittsburg American Legion, served two terms as Alderman for the city of Oronogo, and was a former I-Car Instructor. He enjoyed restoring old cars and houses, playing racquetball, rock climbing, riding his Harley, and teaching others the trade of auto body.
Richard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Beth" Smith of Pittsburg, Kansas; four children, Mary Rolf of Nixa, Missouri, Brandie Nading of Carl Junction, Missouri, Randy Bogle of Clearwater, Florida and Faith Smith of Pittsburg, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Preston Bogle, Trenton Nading, Dalton Nading, Sabashton Bogle, Brooklynn Rolf, and Scarlett Rolf; three sisters, Debbie Cornell of Oronogo, Missouri, Cathy Hailey and husband, Steve, of Webb City, Missouri, and Cheri Sampson and husband, Jeff, of Alba, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and countless friends.
Graveside services are 12:00 noon on Monday, June 19, 2023 at Oronogo Cemetery, with Pastor Max Raney officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Duane Lange, Jeff Sampson, Travis Sampson, Bo Sampson, Oliver Cornell, Steve Hailey, Sr., and Steve Hailey, Jr. The family will receive friends on Monday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Memorials are being directed to the Wounded Warrior Project c/o the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.
