Dennis Lee Smith, age 71, was born August 24, 1954, in Cameron, Missouri, the son of Marvin and Ruth Smith. He passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis was a proud graduate of Maysville High School, Class of 1972, and went on to complete two years of vocational training in Chillicothe. On December 4, 1976, he was united in marriage to the love of his life Sheila (Pritchard) Smith, in Fairport, Missouri. Together they shared 49 wonderful years of love and happiness.
Dennis spent his life farming and working hard, a dedication he carried with him until the very end. He worked at the Osborn Livestock Auction for several years. For 45 years, Dennis dedicated himself to the Missouri State Fair, working in the swine barn, where he made countless friendships and memories. Dennis was a lifelong member of Oak Christian Church, he lived his faith through service and kindness.
He especially loved delivering Meals on Wheels, always looking forward to visiting with the people he served. Dennis treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, particularly when hunting, fishing, and showing pigs with his granddaughters. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather whose quiet strength and generous heart touched many lives.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Karla, and granddaughter, Jaylee.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sheila; son Josh (Rachelle) Smith; daughter, Jenny Piatt; sister, Carita (Allen) Privett; four grandchildren, Jared (Natalie) Eads and family, Carson Smith, Kala Piatt and Kylee Piatt; and many other beloved family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, at Turner Family Funeral Home in Maysville, Missouri.Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
A private family inurnment will be held at Fairport Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dennis’s honor to the Dekalb County Senior Center or Maysville FFA Chapter.
