Burns "Ed" Edward Smith

Burns “Ed” Edward Smith, 91, of Columbia, Missouri went home to be with his Lord on March 9, 2026.

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service immediately following at 11:00 a.m., at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel.  Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery will follow the service.

Ed was born October 14, 1934, in rural Reynolds County, Missouri to the late Areville and Muriel (Young) Smith. On December 26, 1955, he married Judith Whitaker in Salem, Missouri. He moved to Columbia with his young family in June 1962, and this is where he established his life and home until his final day.  Ed worked for the US Soil Conservation Service for many years as an engineering technician.  After retirement, he went back to work for several years for Bartlett & West, Inc.  Ed was a member of Memorial Baptist Church for 63+ years and served in many roles, the most memorable being, along with Judith, the Directors of the Young Adult/Young Married Sunday School Department.  During this time, they developed a lot of very special relationships with the young people in that department, many which continued throughout their lives.  Ed enjoyed traveling, especially to Colorado.  After retirement he and Judith spent many winters in Avon Park, Florida, and made lots of great memories there.  He enjoyed fishing whenever he could, but his favorite hobby was golf.  He played as often as he could, anytime of year.  In his later life, he liked to challenge himself to have his golf score match his age, and he accomplished this goal many times.  He was still playing golf into the Fall of his 91st year.  He also got great joy from spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

He is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Steve); two sisters, Earlene Simms and Judi McKowan; five grandchildren, Mallory, Joel, Justin, Kalie, Aaron; seven great grandchildren; and many other extended family members.  He is loved and will be missed by many.

Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judith, and his daughter, Christa Schilb.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Caring Hearts and Hands, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.

Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Smith Family.

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