Obituary for Russell Earl Smith
Russell “Russ” Smith age 58, of Springfield, MO passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Mercy Hospital.
He was born in Aberdeen, SD to Melvin and Margaret Smith (Moerke). Russ was a free spirit who enjoyed living life in the present. He would greet everyone with a broad smile; he was kind, caring, helpful, funny, resourceful, and had a heart bigger than anyone could measure. He didn’t know a stranger and would have given anyone the shirt off his back if they appeared in need. He was selfless, and although this way of life presented challenges when his means were limited, he would happily do without or share what he had if it meant giving comfort to another person. Russ was an animated storyteller who could get a whole group laughing. He was also a trusted friend and would not hesitate to defend someone he cared about. To say he marched to the beat of his own drum is an understatement; he simply lived life on his own terms, walking his own path.
Russ enjoyed hanging out with friends, socializing, and listening to classic rock. He loved kayaking and outdoor sports- snow skiing was one of his favorites. He spent part of his early adulthood skiing the slopes in Colorado, teaching others how to ski and beating everyone to the bottom of every run. Russ was adventurous and willing to learn new things throughout his life. He most frequently worked in the construction field, doing remodeling construction projects.
Russ was easy to talk with and he enjoyed the simple but important things in life: a homecooked meal, having beers with friends and family, and the companionship of a trusted dog. He was at home wherever he was welcomed and with those he invited into his life. There’s an expression “Home is where the heart is” which applies to Russ. His heart was his home, and he shared it with everyone he encountered along his journey.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by siblings, Calvin Smith (Cynthia) of Springfield, MO, Terrill Smith of Glen Carbon, IL, Keith Smith of Fair Play, MO, Karen Hill (Jeff) of Walnut Grove, MO, Roger Smith (Debbie) of Cary, IL; and Carla Elliff (Scott) of Glen Carbon, IL. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as a grieving group of friends and family who wish they could have spent more time with him.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO.
Donations may be made to:
DAV – Disabled American Veterans
P.O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/donate-online-by-mail-or-by-phone/
Castaway Animals Rescue Effort
1328A W Sunshine St.
Springfield, MO 65807
https://www.carerescue.org/donate
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.
He was born in Aberdeen, SD to Melvin and Margaret Smith (Moerke). Russ was a free spirit who enjoyed living life in the present. He would greet everyone with a broad smile; he was kind, caring, helpful, funny, resourceful, and had a heart bigger than anyone could measure. He didn’t know a stranger and would have given anyone the shirt off his back if they appeared in need. He was selfless, and although this way of life presented challenges when his means were limited, he would happily do without or share what he had if it meant giving comfort to another person. Russ was an animated storyteller who could get a whole group laughing. He was also a trusted friend and would not hesitate to defend someone he cared about. To say he marched to the beat of his own drum is an understatement; he simply lived life on his own terms, walking his own path.
Russ enjoyed hanging out with friends, socializing, and listening to classic rock. He loved kayaking and outdoor sports- snow skiing was one of his favorites. He spent part of his early adulthood skiing the slopes in Colorado, teaching others how to ski and beating everyone to the bottom of every run. Russ was adventurous and willing to learn new things throughout his life. He most frequently worked in the construction field, doing remodeling construction projects.
Russ was easy to talk with and he enjoyed the simple but important things in life: a homecooked meal, having beers with friends and family, and the companionship of a trusted dog. He was at home wherever he was welcomed and with those he invited into his life. There’s an expression “Home is where the heart is” which applies to Russ. His heart was his home, and he shared it with everyone he encountered along his journey.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by siblings, Calvin Smith (Cynthia) of Springfield, MO, Terrill Smith of Glen Carbon, IL, Keith Smith of Fair Play, MO, Karen Hill (Jeff) of Walnut Grove, MO, Roger Smith (Debbie) of Cary, IL; and Carla Elliff (Scott) of Glen Carbon, IL. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as a grieving group of friends and family who wish they could have spent more time with him.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO.
Donations may be made to:
DAV – Disabled American Veterans
P.O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/donate-online-by-mail-or-by-phone/
Castaway Animals Rescue Effort
1328A W Sunshine St.
Springfield, MO 65807
https://www.carerescue.org/donate
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.