Richard Erle Smith

Springfield, MO

Richard Erle Smith, 57 years, passed to heaven on July 5, 2010 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Tulsa, OK.

Richard was born October 17, 1952 in Frankfurt, Germany to Gerald and Loretta (Scholz) Smith.

Richard was a resident of Springfield, MO. He worked at Rickett-Benckiser (French's) as Maintenance Mechanic for almost 20 years. He was an active member of union local #340.

In 1979 Richard and Kathy Harper were united in marriage in Ava, MO and to this union one daughter, Mandy was born. Richard loved golfing and most of all spending time with his friends, family and especially his grandchildren. He was a good friend and brother to many.

Richard was preceded by his mother, Loretta Maxine, one brother, Edward Smith, an aunt, Rosalie Barham and a sister-in-law, Kristen Smith Krider.


Richard is survived by a daughter and husband, Mandy and Sheldon Mackey, Ava, MO, six grandchildren, Paige, Allie, Hailey, Jacob, Brayden and Lexie, his father, Gerald W. Smith, Marshfield, MO, one sister, Virginia and Jerry Buck, Kentucky, nephew & wife, Scott & Melissa Smith and family, other nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.


Funeral services for Richard will be Saturday, July 10, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with burial in the Hensley Cemetery, Mansfield, MO. Visitation will be Saturday, July 10, 2010 from 12:30 p.m to service time in the funeral home. Officiating will be Dennis Coday. Memorials may be made to the family as Love offerings.