Howard Eugene “Gene” Smith, 83, of Sweet Springs, MO, died on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Concordia, MO, with Dr. Dan Lowry officiating. Visitation will be Monday, June 30, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home in Concordia. Burial will be in the Dresden Cemetery in Dresden, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Central Christian Service Camp, 24310 Mahin Road, LaMonte, MO 65337or Show Me Christian Youth Home, P.O. Box 6, 24302 Mahin Road, LaMonte, MO 65337. An online guestbook may be signed at www.campbell-lewis.com.

Gene was born on June 23, 1942, in Washington, MO, to the late Roy C. Smith and Ruth (Carter) Smith. He graduated from LaMonte High School in 1960. On June 1, 1962, in Sedalia, MO, he married Kathryn Louise Richey who survives of the home. In 1965 he graduated from Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO, and Gene was minister at Mt. Zion Christian Church for 38 years. Gene was a barber in LaMonte and Sweet Springs for 43 years and was the Fire Chief in LaMonte for many years. He was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan and loved all sports and watching his grandkids wherever they were playing.

Gene is survived by his wife, Kay; three children: Krista Buford (Jeff) of Alma, MO, Kayla Dawson (David) of Lake Havasu City, Arizona and Greg Smith (Stacey) of Alma; nine grandchildren: Cody Smith, Ryan Dawson, Ashton Sander, Rebecca Randolph, Allison Burkeybile, Alexis Johnson, Carrigan Smith, Grace Buford and Jonathan Buford; seven great-grandchildren: Kauffman Smith, Hallaway Smith, Bauer Smith, Quinn Sander, Hank Sander, Daisy Burkeybile and Kohen Burkeybile.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eula Mae Scheel; and stepmother, Dorothy Smith.