Richard Smith

Although it is impossible to sum up the life of Richard Smith with words alone, the positive impact he has had on so many lives speaks volumes to so many who had the pleasure of knowing him and loving him. Richard Allen Smith, Springfield, died at 7:07am Thursday, May 6, 2021, in Mercy Hospital with his loving family present at his bedside.

Richard was born October 8, 1935, in Springfield, Missouri, and was preceded in death by his parents Edward Frank and Fern Smith, a brother Kenneth Smith; a sister Shirley Ash and husband Bob, and his beloved wife of almost 38 years, Lena Mae Smith. Survivors include brother, Jerry Smith and wife Jeanie; brother, Edward “Skeet” Smith and wife Joyce; brother Ed Smith and Beki; and a sister Teri Haas and husband, Dan.

Richard married Lena Mae Gardner on August 1, 1954. Lena Mae was a loving wife who left this world too soon. Their children included a daughter, Glenda Turner and Dale Allee: her twin sister, Linda McFarland and husband, Earl; a son Allen Smith and wife Amy; a daughter Janice Smith; and a son Casey Smith and Suzann Brewer. Richard was a member of Walnut Street Christian Church for most of his life and was faithful in leadership and support of the church. He enjoyed being a softball pitcher for the church team, was part of a bowling league, was a fisherman by heart, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved attending the Drury Panther’s basketball games. He was owner of Frank’s Uniforms for several decades and met and made many lifelong friends along the way. Prior to owning Frank’s Uniforms, he worked for Cloverleaf Dairy.

Richard is survived by his current wife, Crystal Broan Hutsell Smith, and they were married on February 10, 2001. Richard and Crystal and their families had been church friends for years. Crystal is a devoted wife to Richard and took on the task of this new big family with sleeves rolled up. Their 20 year marriage blended two families together when daughter Cindy Sparks and husband Rick; and a son Rick Hutsell and wife, Johnalene, and their families were combined with Richard’s family. The family now consists of seven children and several spouses, thirteen wonderful grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews, and many friends who loved him.

Richard will be missed by so many and his fingerprints are seen at the core of every family member, every family, every church member, and every friend that has been a part of his life. There are so many lives that have been touched by this strong, caring, and dependable man. He was determined to not let any of his challenges get in the way of doing what was right in his service to the Lord. We will never forget his gentle, humble, and loving ways. He will be greatly missed!

Service will be Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 11:00 am with visitation prior at 10:00 am in Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut St. Springfield Missouri 65806. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walnut Street Christian Church Memorial fund at 2201 W. Walnut Springfield Missouri 65802. For the safety of all, the family is requesting social distancing and masking.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.