Thursday, August 2, 2018

Elton Smith

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Elton D. Smith, age 80, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Elton was born on January 24, 1938 in Jay, Oklahoma, the son of the late William Elmer and Ada Ruth Smith. He was a 1955 graduate of LCCHS. Elton married Judith Thygerson of Altamont, Kansas, on March 17, 1956. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years. Elton worked as an electrical engineer for Echlin Motors Corporation in Independence, Kansas, for 35 years. He and his wife, Judith, moved to Joplin in 2010.

Elton enjoyed traveling with his family. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He also enjoyed fast-pitch softball, bowling and spending time at the rifle range.

Elton was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Jesse DeMoss; and three brothers, Lee, Richard “Cork” and Marvin.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Judith Smith, of Joplin; two sons, Terrence of Greenville, South Carolina, and Steven of Naples, Florida; one daughter, Belinda DeMoss, of Joplin; one grandson; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry of the State of Wyoming and Michael of Grove, Oklahoma; two sisters, Marilyn Babb of Seattle, Washington, and Carlene Schultz of New Mexico; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Mercy Hospice team for their professional and caring service.

Memorial services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 1, 2018, at the First Community Church of Joplin with Reverenced Russell Willoughby and Pastor Gerald Bass officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice of Joplin in care of the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

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