Mike Smith

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Richard Michael “Mike” Smith, Sr., age 75 of Joplin, Mo. passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Mike was born on November 22, 1944 in Joplin the son of Chester and Neva (Paullas) Smith. He has been a lifetime area resident. Mike worked as a welder for many years at both Air Castle Steel and B&D Fabricators before retiring in 2010. Mike loved spending time with his family and out on the river trying to hook the biggest spoonbill he could. He also enjoyed racing in particular, dirt track and NASCAR racing. Mike also liked spending time in his garden.

He married Janice Allen in 1965, Janice preceded Mike in death in 1996. He was also preceded by his parents, a son, Edward Smith, two brothers, George and Carl Smith, and two sisters, Wanda Gooch and Barbara Hunt.

Mike later married Linda Grace DeGonia in 2006, she survives. Additional survivors include a son; Mike Smith, Jr. and wife Audie of Joplin, three step-sons; Richard Beaunoyer and wife Lisa of Joplin, Michael Beaunoyer of Joplin, Bryan Beaunoyer and wife Mandy of Hayesville, Mo., a step-daughter; Tina Neville and husband Mike of Webb City, Mo., twelve grandchildren; Kerstyn Wissel, Rocky Berliew, Tasha McDonald, Justine Beaunoyer, Jessie Beaunoyer, Tyler Beaunoyer, Zack Beaunoyer, Jadyn Beaunoyer, Ashley Beaunoyer, Meesha Dodd, Lindsey Neville and Heath Neville, eleven great-grandchildren including a very special great-grandson, Logan Dodd, and one great-great-grandchild.

Graveside services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.