(From Parker Mortuary)Lawrence Dean Smiley, age 82 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin following an extended illness. Smiley was born July 7, 1942 in Neosho, Missouri to the late Lemuel and Mercedes (McCrary) Smiley. He was a lifetime resident of this Joplin area.
Smiley graduated from Jasper High School and after some years in college, he started his lifelong career with the United States Army. For 38 years, Smiley worked as a Supply Sergeant and a Recruiter-4 for the Army National Guard in Joplin, Carthage and Neosho area.
In any free time, Smiley enjoyed watching sports and especially a passion for baseball. He was a member of Harmony Heights Baptist Church of Joplin and the Missouri National Guard Retiree Council.
He married Patricia Ann McClanahan on December 20, 1963 in Joplin and she passed in August of 2021. Additionally, Smiley is preceded in death by a son, Danny Smiley; grandson, Ethan Smiley; and siblings, Jim Sammons, Mike Sammons and Paula Lacen.
Smiley is survived by a son, David Smiley (Jan) of Joplin; grandchildren, Karissa Smiley-Kreymer, Brock Smiley and Kameran Smiley; great-grandchildren, Valor Hirsch and Iris Kreymer; brother, Roger Smiley (Vickie) of Diamon; sister, Marsa Allen of Bentonville, Arkansas; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at a later date with military honors to be performed in honor of Smiley’s service to his country.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
He married Patricia Ann McClanahan on December 20, 1963 in Joplin and she passed in August of 2021. Additionally, Smiley is preceded in death by a son, Danny Smiley; grandson, Ethan Smiley; and siblings, Jim Sammons, Mike Sammons and Paula Lacen.
Smiley is survived by a son, David Smiley (Jan) of Joplin; grandchildren, Karissa Smiley-Kreymer, Brock Smiley and Kameran Smiley; great-grandchildren, Valor Hirsch and Iris Kreymer; brother, Roger Smiley (Vickie) of Diamon; sister, Marsa Allen of Bentonville, Arkansas; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at a later date with military honors to be performed in honor of Smiley’s service to his country.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
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