Stephen Smith

(From Brown-Winters Funeral Home)

Stephen E. Smith, 76, a resident of Grove, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 10, 2022. 

Stephen was born on September 15, 1945 in Reed, Missouri to Bert Brady Smith and Mary Virginia (Fenix) Smith. Stephen graduated from Carl Junction High School in Carl Junction, Missouri. 

Stephen married Lottie Lucille White on November 26, 1963 and they were married until her passing on March 13, 1992. 

On September 30, 1993, Stephen married Diane Lacy Richardson in Belton, Missouri. They lived in Missouri, mainly in the Kansas City and Belton area, until four years ago they moved to Grove, Oklahoma.

Stephen was a child of God and minister of God's word. He loved sharing the word of God to all those that would listen. He was a master carpenter. He worked on many building projects across the country. And he created wonderful works out of wood. 

Over the years Stephen was a credentialed Pastor through the Kingsway Fellowship and pastored churches in Butler, Missouri and Webb City, Missouri. He had also served as the District Youth Minister and the District Mens’ Director for the Pentecostal Church of God.

Stephen loved his family. His greatest wish was for every member of his family to join him in Heaven. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. Stephen loved to garden, work with wood, and sing. He had a great love for gospel music and reading. His most cherished book was the Bible.

Stephen is preceded in passing by his parents, Bert and Virginia (Fenix) Smith and brothers Joe and Dick Smith along with a grandson Stephen Smith III.

Those left to share the beautiful memory of Stephen are his wife, Diane Smith of the home, children, Stephen Jr. and Chelsea Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris and Kimberly Richardson of Louisburg, Kansas, Kelly and Mary Margaret Richardson Louisburg, Kansas, Bob and Ginger Sales Grove, Oklahoma, and Lonnie and Kim Cole of Ankeny, Iowa, his brother, Michael Smith and his wife Linda of Sebring, Florida, and his sister Sue Dean of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Stephen also had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Smith’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.