Neil Smith

(From Parker Mortuary)

Neil Richard Smith, Sr., age 82, Joplin, passed away at 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2015 at his home .

Neil was born October 22, 1933 in Mount Vernon to the late Raymond P. Smith and Cleota M. Alberty Smith and had lived in the area most of his life.

He worked for Eagle Picher, Industries for 38 years, retiring in 1996. He was a graduate of the former Missouri Southern State College, where he earned several degrees. Neil was a former member of the Joplin Elks Lodge #501 and was a veteran of the United States Navy.

He married Nina Lee Mapes on August 3, 1957 in Joplin. She preceded him in death on May 31, 2015.

Neil was also preceded in death by siblings, Mary Jean Tindell, Margaret Ann Kinney, Kenneth Smith and Raymond Gale Smith.

Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn Shiner and husband, Mark, Republic, Missouri, Debrah Ward and husband, Bryan, Kansas City, Missouri; one son, Neil Smith, Jr. and wife, Rhonda, Odessa, Missouri; one brother, James Randall Smith, Sarcoxie; grandchildren, Erin and Jacob Cartwright, Monica and Jared Reid, Tara and Chris Duke, Brandi and Chris Patrick, Jennifer and Andy Box, Christopher and Heather Ward, William and Ashley Endicott; and 21 great grandchildren.

Services are planned for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Fairview Baptist Church. Josh Branham will officiate. Interment with full military honors will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be William Endicott, Chris Ward, Jacob Cartwright, Andy Box, Jared Reid, Chris Duke and Chris Patrick. The family will receive friends Monday from 6-8:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Baptist Church or to Hospice Compassus, both in care of Parker Mortuary.