Dennis Smith

Dennis Alfred Smith was born October 15, 1949 near Lebanon, Missouri to Bessie Smith and Dennis A. Jones. He passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025 in Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Missouri. He was seventy-five years, nine months and two days of age.
Dennis spent the early years of his life in the Conway, Missouri area. When he was a teenager, he worked for Dr. Fisk as a veterinarian assistant. He joined the United States Army and his service included a tour in Vietnam. When he left the military, he returned to Lebanon and began his long, thirty-nine year career with MFA. He enjoyed working at MFA and his co-workers and many of his customers were like family to him.
On February 15, 1974, Dennis was united to his love, Peggy Jo Lawson. They lovingly raised their family together and enjoyed creating lasting memories for their family.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Bessie and Dennis; his wife, Peggy Jo Smith, who passed away May 24, 2022; and his daughter, Susie Runge.
He is survived by his daughter, Peggy Jo Smith of Lebanon, Missouri; three sons, Dennis Smith, and Benjamin Smith, both of Lebanon, Missouri and Phillip Runge of Illinois; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; his brother, Jack Smith of Ohio; three sisters, Brenda Hines of Laredo, Texas, Jean Sims of Leesburg, Florida and Kate Batten of Dunkirk, Indiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Dennis enjoyed fishing and camping and spending time with his grandchildren and visiting his great-grandchildren. Family was very important to him and he looked forward to being together with them. He also loved animals very much and had several pets throughout the course of his life.
Dennis was a very loving and caring man and was always willing to give a helping hand. As his final wish, Dennis requested to be an eye donor, a request that was fulfilled.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother. He was a caring and trusted neighbor and friend. Dennis was a good, honorable man who will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Funeral service for Dennis Smith will be Monday, July 28 at 11 a.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Monday, July 28 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mr. Rose Memorial Park. A memorial to Claws and Paws has been established and donations may be left at the funeral home.