Garry Lewis Smith

Garry Lewis Smith, 78, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s East Hospital after a battle with skin cancer on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Garry was born on January 28, 1946, as the first of eight children to his parents Charles and Anna Smith. He managed to squeak through school at Van Horn High School and catch the eye of the love of his life, Janice Baker, whom he would later marry in 1966. As newlyweds during the Vietnam War, he tried to dodge the draft working for his father but later gave in and enlisted with the Air Force. He was stationed in the Philippines for two years and was honorably discharged in 1969. While in the Air Force stationed at Barksdale AFB in 1968, they welcomed the birth of their first child, Todd, who was later followed by Chad and Shauna.

He continued to work in the family business after his military discharge in the utility construction business, or as he referred to as “ditch diggers.” Initially residing in the Sugar Creek area of Independence upon their return, they built their first home in Independence. They then built a home in Oak Grove where they resided for 40 years before building their last home in Grain Valley. He started his own business in 1980 and continued to work until he was 66 and turned it over to his son-in-law.

He was very fond of many things over his life at various stages, including all things sports, whether it be the Missouri Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, golf (he had a terrible slice). For 20 plus years they enjoyed a second home at Lake of the Ozarks where he excelled in trying to de-clothes people on the tube with their spectacular wipe-outs. He was also a tremendous cook, never using a recipe, but threw something together that was typically ridiculously hot, but also very tasty. He had a garden most years and pickled anything and everything in the hottest vinegar bath he could imagine with the ingredients on hand. His spice drawer was prolific, and usually out-of-date, but he still managed to create great dishes throughout his life.

Garry was married to Jan for over 58 years, and she survives in his passing. He is survived by Todd (Tina) Smith of Bloomington, IN, Chad (Tracy) Smith of Wright City, MO, and Shauna (Vince) Leonard of Grain Valley, MO. He is survived by 9 grandchildren: Jessica (Ryan) Pfendler, Colin (Taylor) Smith, Gavin Leonard, Dylan Smith, Gage Leonard, Cole Smith, Ella Smith, Teagan Leonard, and Kaia Smith. He is survived by 2 brothers, Ron, and Randy Smith, and 3 sisters, Diana McDaniels, Charlene Clardy, and Karen Reinbold. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles, and Anna, and 2 brothers, Don, and Steve.

Dad never missed a sporting event for any of his kids and attended most practices (we tried to get the coaches to kick him out). He was tremendously proud of the adults that they became. While he was extremely strict with his kids while they were little, he softened over the years and loved his family above all. He relished re-connecting with his brothers and sisters and their families. He was fiercely protective of his brood and loyal to his friends. He was also very gracious with his time and money to those in need.

In lieu of flowers, he would ask you to plant a tree in his honor. He would also tell you to wear your sunscreen when outdoors, as skin cancer is not an easy battle to fight if left unchecked.

The visitation and funeral will be at Newcomer’s Noland Road Chapel Saturday, November 2, with visitation 10-11:30 am, service at 11:30 am. Private burial at a later date.