Elmer Smith

Elmer Smith

Oskaloosa. Elmer “Junior” Smith, 85, of rural Oskaloosa, died Sunday, June 19, 2011, at the Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born April 16, 1926, in Washington County, Iowa, the son of Elmer A. and Sylvia Hervey Smith. He graduated from the What Cheer High School in What Cheer with the class of 1943. On December 24, 1945, Junior was united in marriage to Mary Greeno at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Early on, Junior farmed and worked in a factory in East Moline, Illinois. In 1957, they bought their farm in rural Mahaska County near Bussey. Junior continued to farm and also worked at Rolscreen Co. (Pella Corporation) in Pella in the early 1960’s. He retired from Rolscreen in the early 1990’s, but continued the farming operation. He enjoyed his work in raising hogs and cattle, and also enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities. Junior was a member of the What Cheer Christian Church, and will be remembered as being very friendly and never meeting a stranger.

His family includes his wife: Mary Smith of rural Oskaloosa; two sons: Stephen (& Dixie) Smith of New Sharon and Rodney Smith of Bussey; a daughter: Rebecca (& John) Kelsey of Bussey; seven grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; a brother-in- law: Lyle (& Orn) Greeno in Florida, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Charles Smith and a sister, Juanita Dugger.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastors Frances Baumert and Dwayne Poe offciating. Burial will be in Weldon Cemetery near Bussey. Visitation will be held Wednesday after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel, and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the What Cheer Christian Church or Weldon Cemetery Association.

Source: Bates Funeral Chapel