Wilber Smith (Veteran)

Wilber Elsworth "Smitty" Smith, age 93, died Sunday, October 17, 2010, at Audrain Medical Center in Mexico. For the past year he has been a resident of the Missouri Veterans Home - Mexico in Mexico. He was born January 28, 1917 in Reger, the son of Walter Alva and Ada Elizabeth (Rogers) Smith. He was married to Hethie Lee Oliver of Dillwyn, Va., on June 17, 1943, at the Methodist Church in Reger. To this union were born two sons, Neil (Brenda) of Jefferson City and Randy (Belle) of Monterey, Calif. On December 7, 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy Seabees and trained at Camp Peary, Va. His work life was varied as he mastered a variety of occupations including farmer, carpenter, bookkeeper, photographer, auto mechanic, service station owner, welder, and surveyor, in addition to being an accomplished hunter and fisherman. He was a well-respected business man and known for his hard work and fair and honest treatment of everyone. He was always willing to assist anyone in need. He was a lifelong Methodist and a faithful member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Trenton for many years. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2010, at Resthaven Mortuary of Trenton. Rev. Barry Boulware will officiate. A scheduled visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Burial will be in the Schrock Cemetery, south of Reger. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Mexico Veteran's Home, Mexico; the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Washington, D.C.; or the Wesley United Methodist Church in Trenton. Online condolences may be made at whitakereads.com