Clyde Smith

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Clyde Raymond Smith, Jr. age 90 of Webb City passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at his residence. 

He was born on June 18, 1925 in Preston, Nebraska to Clyde R. Smith, Sr. and Hazel (Ramsey) Smith. He attended school in Holt County Missouri, Wellsville, Overbrook and Ottawa, Kansas, and classes at Kansas State University. He worked at the Shaw Hatchery and the Ottawa Co-op before moving to Webb City, Missouri as the Manager of Norris Grain Company 43 years ago and then chief Inspector for the Missouri Department of Agriculture seed, feed and grain division. After retiring he became a teacher’s aide for the Webb City School System. Clyde served on several committees for the city of Webb City. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and watching the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals baseball games and attending all events that his grandchildren participated in. His hobbies were woodworking, ceramics, collecting stamps, comics, hot wheels and baseball memorabilia. Clyde was a 65 year member of Webb City Masonic Lodge # 512, past patron of Webb chapter # 204, order of the Eastern Star and past commander of American Legion Post # 322 , and serviced as district # 16 baseball commissioner. Clyde was a United States Navy World War II veteran serving in the Pacific theatre. He is a member of the First Christian Church in Ottawa, Kansas.

Clyde married Mary Finch Smith on August 17, 1947 in her parents' yard in Ottawa, Kansas and she survives at home. They had just celebrated their 68th anniversary. He is also survived by his sons, Doug Smith of Webb City, Donnie Smith and wife Stacy of Salem, Missouri; daughter, Pat Moody and husband George of Lawton, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Michele Carnott and husband Herman, Cheri Wagner and husband Damion, Jeremy Smith, Shannon Biggerstaff and husband Charlie, Caitlin Francis and husband Chris, and Ryan Smith; 7 great grandsons, and 2 great granddaughters; sister, Imogene Droddy and husband Carroll, and sister-in-law, Maxine Moore. Clyde was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Peggy Sue Johnson; and brother-in-law’s, David Johnson and Paul Moore. 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City with Pastor Mike Geisert officiating. An Eastern Star service will be held on Tuesday at 6:00 PM at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City with visitation to follow until 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held in Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas at 2:30 PM on Wednesday with Masonic Rites and Full Military Rites. The family suggest memorial contributions in lieu of flowers be made to one of the following places; First Christian Church of Webb City, First Christian Church of Ottawa, Kansas or to Mercy Hospice in care of the funeral home. 

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.