Gary Wayne Smith

Gary Wayne Smith 86 of Chariton, Iowa, passed away November 3, 2023, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia, Iowa.

Gary was born in Lamoni, IA on December 19 1936, to Robert E. Smith and Wilma K. Smith.  Gary had many fond memories of working on the farm and running machinery alongside his dad. Gary graduated from high school in Eagleville, MO.

Gary worked many jobs including Lamoni Massey Fergusen, Colonial Bakery, Delavan Machine shop and the Indianola Power Company. Gary retired from Employers Mutual Company in Des Moines where he was Chief Engineer/Head of Maintenance in 1999.

Gary met the love of his life, Vivian Violet Smith, through a cousin while they were both working in Des Moines. They started carpooling home to the Lamoni area on the weekends. They started dating and the rest is history. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married November 26, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Gary and Vivian couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. Out of this union three wonderful children were born, Steven Russell Smith, Thomas Wayne Smith, Rebecca Jean Morrison.

Gary and Vivian loved their grandkids and great-grandkids. He enjoyed it when they would come to visit the farm near Norwood where he always had a project going. Later when they moved to Chariton, they enjoyed the visits at the trailer park he managed.

Gary didn’t know a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who was in need. Gary loved working with his hands and was always fixing or building something. Gary was an active member of First Baptist Church in Chariton IA. We couldn’t have asked for a better parent or grandparent and we will miss him every day. Gary’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Vivian Smith, his parents, Robert and Wilma Smith, his sister, Roberta Christiansen, Grandchild, Luke Allen Smith, Great-grandchild, Abigail Kathleen Mar. He is survived by his children, Steven (Martha) Smith, Thomas Smith, Rebecca (Donald) Morrison, Grandchildren, Samantha (Jerry) Jenkins, Steven Scott (Kelsi) Smith, Hannah Smith, Jeffery (Tanya) Morrison, Great-grandchildren, Paisleigh Morrison, Paxton Morrison, Riley Smith, Kymber Smith, Wyllow Smith, Ava Mar and Houston Jenkins, Siblings, Kathryn Coubrough, Larry (Virgina) Smith, Charles Smith, Margaret (Marshall) Skinner.

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