Thomas Gene Smith

Thomas Gene Smith, 80, of rural Fulton, passed away at his home on May 8, 2022 after a lengthy illness.

 

Thomas was born in Marblehead, Illinois on November 21, 1941 a son of William Andrew Smith and Helen Frances Rudsell Smith.  He married Judith “Judy” Baker on September 21, 1959.  The family had formerly lived in the states of Illinois, Colorado, Florida and Alabama before moving to Missouri where Thomas and Judy were owners and operators for over fifty years of Thomas Smith Construction.  Thomas specialized in exterior home improvements and was known for his craftsmanship, putting his clients first and his honesty.  Many homes, businesses and churches in Howard and surrounding counties still reflect his attention to detail and quality work.  

 

Thomas was a big man with a stubborn yet kind heart, examples of which included helping those with limited means with necessary repairs, extending credit to those he felt were honest and helping others with a step up in life.  He also loved animals, especially cats, constructing a climate controlled “cat house“ for the family’s outdoor cats.  In his earlier life he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

 

Thomas had no affiliation with organized religion, but he believed in a power on high and the divine creation of God.  He always said everything could not have just happened.  Now he has gone to meet that Creator.

 

He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years and longtime care giver, Judy of the family home; three sons, Thomas Andrew and wife, Kim, Douglas Roy and Daniel Lee; two brothers, Lonnie Eugene Smith and Billie Keith Smith and a sister, Janet Marie Bringer; his mother-in-law, Ruby Baker; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

 

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Gene Smith; a brother, Robert Duane Smith; four sisters, Bettie Lou Rosa, Dorothy Louise Bringer, Carlene Frances “Cookie” Johnson and Patricia Ann “Tunie” Jackson and his father-in-law, Roy Baker.

 

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 12, 2022 at West Side Cemetery in Versailles, Illinois.

 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the West Side Cemetery Association or the Fayette PAWS Program.

 

Condolences may be shared at www.carryager.com.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Carr-Yager Funeral Home, Fayette, Missouri.