Howard Eugene Smith

Howard Eugene Smith, 77, of Columbia, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015, with his children by his side. His beloved wife, Carolyn, passed away just one day before on Saturday, January 10, 2015. Howard was born in Fulton, Mo., on October 13, 1937, to Harold and Mary Smith. After the passing of his mother, his stepmother, Anna Elouisa, lovingly helped to raise him. He was the youngest of four children and grew up surrounded by many cousins who were like siblings. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Andrews, on August 28, 1956. Howard was the loving father to three children, loving grandfather to four and loving great-grandfather to one. Howard lived the majority of his life in Columbia, Mo. Howard served his country in the United States Navy from June 12, 1956 through February 28, 1966. After his service, he continued to serve his community by being an active member in both the Sunrise Optimist Club and Twilight Lodge #114 A.F. & A.M. He was also a devout member of Olivet Christian Church. Howard was a long-time employee of GTE. He also spent time driving over the road for RPS. Howard was also the proud owner of Howard's Upholstery, loving his work of crafting and handiwork. Howard was a loving man who gave of himself for the sake of others. His legacy will live on through the lives of his children and grandchildren, the life lessons he shared, his love for John Deere and Jack Daniels collectibles and his sweet tooth for chocolate-covered cherries. Howard is survived by: his children, Mary Ann Gruender (Joe), Steven Smith (Rhonda) and Linda Smith; his grandchildren, Robbie Hall (Shelli), Lisa Ward (AJ), Jason Gruender (Bridget) and Jessica Ketsenburg (Jonathan); and his great-granddaughter, Lydia Gruender. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Carolyn Sue Smith; his parents, Harold and Mary Smith; his stepmother, Anna Elouisa Smith; his sisters, Helen Louise Smith and Isabell Holiman (Jack, deceased); and his brother, Harlan Ritchie Smith (Gerry). Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 14, at Memorial Funeral Home Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 15, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.