Claude E. Smoot

Claude Everett Smoot, Independence, Mo., passed away at St. Luke's Hospital on Monday, December 15, 2008, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. Claude was born October 5, 1930, in Kansas City, Mo., and lived in Independence, Mo., and Overland Park, Kan. Claude enlisted in the Navy at 21 years of age and served two tours of duty during the Korean Conflict. He reached the rank of Second Class Petty Officer; Rate Printer Second Class. He served from April 18, 1951, through Dec. 1, 1953, aboard the USS Salisbury. Claude was a self-made man, and he served as an outstanding example of what can be accomplished through hard work and a belief in one's self. He was a man who valued education, perseverance, and used both to achieve his goals. He worked in the printing industry his entire career, and rose from a messenger carrier for Burd & Fletcher Printing Co. at age 16 to become manager of Herald House Publishing for the last 10 years of his career. Claude valued home and family above all else and leaves his wife of 25 years, Ruth, and his sister, Patricia Armstrong. Claude felt he was blessed with a large extended family, which included four daughters from his first wife, Gerry, and their husbands whom he regarded as his own sons: Sheryl and James, Linda and Denny, Dana and Steve, and Janice. He loved his stepdaughters and their families as his own: Lois, Larry, and Joyce. He is also survived by his aunt, Rita Hook, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. His greatest source of pride and joy were the adventures and accomplishments of his 11 grandchildren: Katie, Kelly, Erin, Andrea, Fawn, Meredith, Scott, Mai, Brianah, Sarah, and Max. His last few years he had the joy of loving his great-grandchildren, Adrianna, James Logan, and a child yet to be born next Spring, Baby Mac. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Kalinka, and sister, Gloria Bullock. Claude was a good friend, an exemplary father, a doting grandfather and a loving husband. He was known for his sharp wit, loved a good joke and stimulating conversation. In short, Claude was a student of life. Our lives were greatly enriched by knowing him and he will be sorely missed. Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. followed by Funeral Services at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Park Lawn Funeral Home 8251 Hillcrest Road, KCMO. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Claude's honor to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674, (913) 648-6727. Please indicate the donation is in memory of Claude Smoot. Checks and credit cards are accepted. Arrangements: Park Lawn Funeral Home (816) 523-1234.