Richard D. "Dick" Smith

Richard "Dick" D. Smith, 83, of Savannah, MO, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at his residence.



Dick was born on September 26, 1933 in Andrew County, MO, to Albert and Ella (Lance) Smith. He was a lifelong resident of the Savannah and Andrew County areas. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1951.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army in December, 1953. He was stationed at Fort Riley, KS with the 1st Cavalry, 8th Regiment, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Platoon. He served with the U.S. occupation forces in Hokkaido, Japan until he was honorably discharged in 1955.

He married Rosemary R. Schweizer in 1956 and together they raised five children.

Mr. Smith began his career in bridge construction with the Missouri State Highway Department. He worked for many years as a bridge superintendent with Newton Ready-Mix, Elkins Engineering Co, and Ideker Construction. He was a card-carrying member of the Carpenters Union. Following his retirement he worked at the Andrew County Region D Recycling Center.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman and was very proud of his gardening - especially his tomato plants. He was known for his quick wit, good storytelling and "razzing" his friends. He was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billy Smith.

In addition to his wife, Dick is survived by daughters; Kerrie (Paul) Lemon, Jan (Don) Dillman, and Clare (Billie) Messick all of Savannah, MO, and Susan (Tim) Patterson of Colorado Springs, CO, son; Tom (Angel) Smith also of Colorado Springs, CO, grandchildren; Emily Messick of Savannah, MO, and Raymond "Raymie" Smith of Colorado Springs, CO, sisters; Mariann Simpson of Savannah, MO, and Margaret Elder of St. Joseph, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Mr. Smith's wishes, no visitation or services are scheduled, and he has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith Savannah Chapel.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Savannah Animal Shelter in Dick's memory, c/o Savannah City Hall, 401 Court St., Savannah, MO 64485.