Dan Smith

"Impossible only takes a little longer." That motto perfectly encapsulates the life of Danny LeRoy Smith of Stella, Missouri, who passed away on September 24, 2025. For those who knew him, his legacy lives on in a way no obituary could ever fully capture. But we'll try anyway.

Growing up along Turkey Creek in Duenweg, tending the family farm would have been enough, but Danny and his siblings were always looking for the next adventure. He and his two brothers and one sister kept their parents, Eizabeth and Eugene Smith, on their toes as they explored the world and grew into successful adults.

Danny started his professional life in business with his brothers, learning the ropes of HVAC from the experienced hands of Bill Arthur. His work was interrupted by a call to serve his country, and he joined the Navy. He was stationed on a tender ship along the Eastern Seaboard, where he continued to do what he did best: fix things.

Throughout his life, Danny was blessed with three amazing children: Colby of Kodiak, Alaska; Heidi of Joplin, Missouri; and Chad of Bella Vista, Arkansas. He gained two wonderful daughters-in-law by marriage, Alex Smith of Kodiak, Alaska, and Jennifer Smith of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Danny shared his life with three incredible women: Karen (deceased), Kim, and most recently, Bernice (deceased in April). His extended family was vast, and he embraced many others as his own, especially Dennis (deceased), Phillip, and Karen. He was also a proud grandfather to a whole "Covey" of grandkids and great grandkids: Watson, Archer, Bryson, Brianna, Summer, McKenzie, Madison, Michael and Avery. He was further blessed with four great-grandkids: Luci, Pate, Palmer, and Traveler.

Many of you will remember the "court" held on the front porch of his home on the runway in Golden, Missouri. The grass was worn smooth from the constant stream of golf carts and visitors, and countess stories were spun and shared" many of them embellished just a bit. And who could forget Danny's spark of inspiration to bring Oshkosh to Table Rock? He asked, "Do you think we could put on a fly-in'?" The answer was "yes." That launched the incredible nine-year run of the Flying Circus, which served thousands of people each April. It was another testament to his motto: "Impossible only takes a little longer."

Danny was a servant to all, sharing his love of flying and introducing countless people to the sky for the very first time. He gave freely of whatever he had to help others. In 2005, he took Petr Maxa from the Czech Republic for a flight. Standing on the wing, Petr remarked, "A few years ago, I was behind the Iron Curtain; now I am in the USA, freely going flying." Multiply this story by a thousand, and you'll begin to get the full picture of his generosity.

One final, beautiful detail shows that God doesn't make mistakes. When Danny went home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, it was Bernice's birthday. What a perfect tribute and reminder of God's complete provision.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the EAA Young Eagles via this contribution form: https://share.google/1dFNW7AK36DK219Py

That was Danny. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through each of us as we take what he taught us, learn more, and freely share what we have. Always remember:

"Impossible only takes a little longer."

Rest easy, our friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 am at White Funeral Home and Crematory in Cassville, Missouri, Lunch and storytelling to follow

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