Howard L. Smith

Howard Lynn Smith, 82, St. Clair, departed this life Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.

Howard was born April 7, 1938, in Flat River, the son of Herbert Emmett Smith and wife Vivian Pluma, nee Taylor. On April 27, 1968, he was united in marriage to Faye Darlene Magill, known to all as Darlene, and two daughters came to bless this union.

Howard was a devoted Christian and current member of Christ Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in St. Clair. In past years, he was a 25-year member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and was proud to have taught the adult Sunday school class for 24 years. He was proud to have served his country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of V.F.W. Post 2482 and Elks Lodge 2651, both in St. Clair. During his working years, he was employed by General Motors as a repairman, retiring after 30 years of service to the company. After his retirement, he worked as a security officer at Purina Farms for five years and worked another 13 years as a security officer for the Ameren power plant in Labadie. Howard was always busy, as he had many hobbies and interests. He loved to hunt, fish and enjoyed gardening. He was never idle for "tinkering around" was a favorite pastime. Nothing made him happier than the time he spent playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him Poppy Doodle.

Howard is survived by his wife, Darlene Smith, St. Clair; his daughters, Tracy Koelling and husband Landon, and Pamela McCutchen and husband Kevin, all of St. Clair; six grandchildren, Victoria Pelton Rost and husband Jeremiah, Kinsley Koelling, Lawson, Dawson and Emily McCutchen, all of St. Clair, and Ashley Pelton, Nashville, Tenn.; two sisters, Sharon Hagan and husband Bill, Buffalo, Mo., and Sandy Shay and husband John, Independence; six great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law; one brother-in-law; nieces; nephews; great-nieces and -nephews; cousins; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Vivian Smith; one grandson, Scott Pelton; and three siblings, Jerry Smith, Ruth Dotts and Joann Allen.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair, with Brother Duke West officiating.

Interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery, Lonedell.

Memorials may be made to Christ Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, St. Clair.

The Smith family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair.