SMITH, Richard Louis 1930-2017

SMITH, MAAS, MILLER

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 3/12/2018 at 12:36:16

Richard “Dick” Smith

Funeral Service:
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Immanuel Lutheran Church
4820 Oster Parkway
Cedar Falls, Iowa

Burial:
Garden of Memories

Richard Louis Smith was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on January 18, 1930, son of Louis and Laurina (Maas) Smith. He attended Waterloo schools where he excelled in basketball and baseball at East High School. Dick graduated with the Class of 1948. Following graduation, Dick worked alongside his father in their painting business.

He entered the United States Navy serving on the USS Henry W. Tucker as a radioman. Following an honorable discharge prior to the Korean Conflict, Dick returned to Waterloo where he met Patricia Miller while painting her parents’ home. The couple was married on Valentine’s Day in 1953.

Dick was recruited to work for John Deere and also to play on their fast-pitch softball team. He retired from Deere in December of 1994. An adept athlete, Dick was inducted into the Iowa Fast-pitch Softball Hall of Fame as well as the Cedar Valley Bowling Hall of Fame. He enjoyed fishing (particularly in Canada), hunting and feeding squirrels.

Dick passed away at home on Sunday, December 17, 2017, at the age of 87 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pat; daughter, Judy; grandson, Christopher; and sister, Mary Smith.

He is survived by his sons: Steve (Lourdes) Smith of Cupertino, CA, Mike Smith of Waterloo, Craig (JoAnn) Smith of Waverly, Mark (Sue) Smith of Cedar Falls, and Jeff (Mary) Smith of Grundy Center; 1 daughter, Tamara (Anthony) Bird of Denver; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or American Cancer Society.

SOURCE: Parrott and Wood funeral home website