Paul Smith

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Paul Dean Smith, age 63, of Carthage, Missouri passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025, at home with family after a battle with cancer.

He was born on September 6, 1961, in Carthage, Missouri to Richard Paul and Sally Darlene (Wine) Smith.

Paul married his forever girlfriend and Love Cynthia (Cyndi) Dianne Watts on August 1, 1980, she survives. They spent 45 of the happiest years together, playing games, hiking, and traveling.

Paul is also survived by his children; Whitney Herbst (Michael) of Carthage, Missouri and Wesley Smith (Sabra) of Gilbert, Arizona. He exemplified a father’s love, devotion and loyalty in all he did always teaching, hugging and never missing a sporting event. One of Paul’s greatest talents was being a Papa to his 10 grandchildren; Sadie, Kenley, Miles, Paisley, Max, Lincoln, Asher, Eden, August and Lyla. Showing them love until the very end. His mother; Sally Smith of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, sisters; Sharon Smith (Sam) of Mt. Vernon, Missouri and Karen Keeler (Kenny) of Wichita, Kansas and numerous extended family and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his father; Richard Smith and brother; Daniel Smith.

Paul loved his family and celebrating with them. He had a gift for making everyone feel valued, seen, and special. His willingness to serve God and others truly knew no bounds. He considered everyone he met his friend. He never ceased to see the best in everyone, always the first to forgive.

He was an avid fisherman, hunter, hiker and all-around outdoorsman. He was also a skilled woodworker, blessing family, friends and strangers with his talents. One of his greatest joys and major goals for retirement was to continue serving others with his carpentry skills in the mission field. Paul retired from Schreiber Foods in Carthage, Missouri after 44 years on October 1, 2024. He was overjoyed!

Services will be held at Second Assembly of God located at 402 N. Schifferdecker in Joplin, at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, where Rev. John Veazey and Rev. Wesley Smith will officiate.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Mason-Woodard Chapel.

Burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery, north of Carthage, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Second Assembly of God-Missions or Playground fund.