Richard “Rick” Smith

Richard “Rick” Smith, age 62, of Bronaugh, Mo., lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Kansas City, Kan.

He is survived by his wife, Terry (Brasher) Smith; his children, sons Josh Brasher (CJ) and Jakob Smith (Destiny) and daughters Kendra Brasher (Damien) and Kaisi Smith (James); 14 grandchildren; two siblings, brother, Randy Smith, and sister, Valerie (Skip) Nocciolo; several nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and -nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; as well as three brothers, Ronnie Smith, Rusty Smith, and Rocky Smith.

Richard was born on Dec. 25, 1959, in Nevada, Mo., to William “Bill” and Sharyl Smith. He spent his childhood in Cassidy, Kan. He later returned to Nevada, Mo., where he met and married his wife of 22 years, Terry (Brasher) Smith. Together they raised their four children, sons Josh Brasher (CJ) and Jakob Smith (Destiny) and daughters Kendra Brasher (Damien) and Kaisi Smith (James).

Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Out of all the things he did in life, his most prized title was “Grandpa,” a.k.a. “Pops” and “PaPa.” He loved his grandchildren more than anything and he never missed a birthday, school or church event. He was a jack of all traits and could fix anything that was put in front of him. He had a passion for being outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed gardening, and was especially proud of his tomato plants each year. He loved to barbecue and have cookouts with family. The baked beans he made were “World Famous,” according to his grandsons. He spent the last 25+ years of his life working alongside longtime friend, Andy Anderson, mowing lawns and doing landscaping jobs. Prior to mowing lawns, he was a mechanic and worked in a tire shop.

Richard was one of the kindest people and would go out of his way to help anyone in need. Anyone that knew him, knew that they could count on him to be there for them, no matter what. He is loved by many and will be deeply missed.

If you had the honor of knowing Richard, please join his family and loved ones in honoring the incredible man that he was at his Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 5, at 2 p.m., at the Elks Lodge #0564 in Nevada, Mo.