John C. "Jake" Smith

John C. "Jake" Smith, 82, Nevada, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2009, at his home in Nevada, following a lengthy illness. He was born Nov. 26, 1926, in Nevada, to Harry J. Smith and Selma I. Miller Smith. He married Leona Nolte on Sept. 6, 1948, in Nevada, and she preceded him in death in 1993.

Jake grew up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1944. He served two years for the Merchant Marines during World War II. Following the service, he worked 10 years for Missouri Pacific Railroad as a signalman and Nevada State Hospital for 20 years, retiring as chief engineer of the Power Plant. Jake was member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed cooking. His additional memberships include American Legion Post No. 2, Elks Lodge No. 564, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie Lodge No. 3770.

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Heidmann and her husband Michael, Leslie, Mo., and Donna Sellars and her husband Ray, Rich Hill, Mo.; three sons, Dan Smith and his wife Joy, Dwayne Smith, and Jay Smith and his wife Sammie, all of Nevada; 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Don Smith, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Leona, he was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister, and one daughter, Kathy Quade in 1994.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, July 8, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nevada with the Rev. John Bolderson officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Nevada. Friends may call now and until 8 p.m., on Tuesday and the family receives friends from 7-8 p.m., on Tuesday at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute to the Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.