SERVICE
Belton Christian Church in
Belton, Missouri on
Saturday, September 5, 2009 at
2:00 p.m.

MINISTER
Dr. James T. Bottrell

VISITATION
Belton Christian Church in
Belton, Missouri on
Saturday, September 5, 2009 between
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

INTERMENT
Appleton City Cemetery in
Appleton City, Missouri

MEMORIAL
Belton Christian Church

John D. Smith, son of Earl D. and Louise R. (Lampkin) Smith, was born on the family farm near Montrose, Missouri December 13, 1919. He passed away September 1, 2009 at his home of 20 years, near Belton, Missouri at 89 years of age.
John grew up in the rural Montrose area, attending a country elementary school and then attending and graduating from Appleton City High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1940 and was stationed in Tucson, Arizona where he was an airplane mechanic. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Master Sergeant following his tour of duty. John and Ladine Burch were united in marriage March 16, 1944 and to this union three children were born. John was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. He retired from his job at the Post Office and began working in the postal department for Black and Veatch where he remained for several years, until he again retired.
John was a faithful member of the Belton Christian Church since 1960. During that time he had served the church in many capacities including board chairman. He had been a member of the Masonic Lodge for 60 years and was also a member of the Ararat Shrine.
Preceding John in death was a daughter Ella May Smith at age three and a grandson Bryon Smith. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Ladine Smith of the home; one son Rick Smith and wife Charlotte of Mandeville, Louisiana and their children Jeremy Smith of Mandeville, and Kelly Presley and husband of San Antonio, Texas; one daughter Marla and husband Brandon Chabner of Manhattan Beach, California and their son Ben; four great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law Barbara Wade and husband Ivan of Overland Park, Kansas; two brothers-in-law, Robert Burch and wife Janet of Adrian, Missouri and Leland Burch and wife Sara of Butler, Missouri.