Gerald Smith

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Gerald W. Smith, Jr., 50, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Katy, Texas.

Gerald was born February 16, 1967, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Gerald Smith Sr. and Judith (Russell) Smith. He grew up in Joplin, MO, graduating from Parkwood High School in 1985. He was very involved in the music department, playing trumpet and singing in the choir. This fueled a lifelong love of music. Following graduation, Gerald served in the Army in both Germany and the United States. After leaving military service, Gerald became a Non-Destructive Examiner and API inspector in the petrochemical industry throughout the United States.

On August 25, 2007, Gerald married Ivana Sliskovic, in Cancun Mexico. Together, they opened Fixed Equipment Reliability serving the inspection community in the Petrochemical Industry. Known for having a kind and generous heart, Gerald cared deeply for his employees and their families. A sense of humor and a love of cars were also hallmarks of his life.

The joy of Gerald’s life was being a loving and devoted husband and father. He is survived by wife Ivana Smith and children Nathan Smith, Noah Smith, and Matthew Smith, of Katy, TX; mother, Judith Ann Smith of Joplin, and siblings, Kristina Hughes and husband Danny Hughes of Gilbert, AZ; Geoffrey Smith of Joplin; Garrison Smith and wife Melissa Smith of Joplin; Grant Smith of Joplin; and Garret Smith of Baytown, TX.; and sister-in-law, Mary Smith of Lubbock, TX. He is also survived by nephews and nieces Zachary Hughes and Michael Hughes; Nicolas Smith and wife Amanda Smith, Dylan Smith, and Nash Smith; Gavin Smith and Jordan Smith; Alyssa Smith and Emily Smith; Grayson Smith; and aunt Marion Hemann. Gerald was also an admired son-in-law to Vlado and Dragica Sliskovic and sisters-in-law Zrinka and husband Dalibor Jurcevic, and Sandra Sliskovic and daughter Stephanie Graf. He was preceded in death by his father Gerald William Smith, Sr. and brother Gregory Wade Smith. Gerald will be deeply missed by his family and friends who were blessed to know him.

Services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Memorial contributions may be given to a Memorial Fund established for the Smith Children in care of the mortuary.