Lenzy Edward (Ed) Smith, Sr.

Lenzy Edward (Ed) Smith, Sr., 80, son of the late Elmer and Dola (Underwood) Smith was born in Pollard, Ark., Oct. 14, 1928, and went to be with his Lord on Aug. 29, 2009.

Lenzy was united in marriage to the love of his life, Anna M. Edgerton, Nov. 12, 1950. To this union four children were born, Lenzy Jr., Patricia, Kenneth and Charles.

He joined the Navy in 1947, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars before retiring after 22 years of service to his country. Lenzy co-owned a tackle shop in Charleston, S.C., and worked as a master plumber. After moving to Missouri in 1972 he bought a farm at Maples, where he farmed and raised cattle, something that brought him great joy.

Lenzy was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite and Rock Springs Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus as his personal savior.

Lenzy loved his family, and was devoted to his wife and children. His deep devotion to family also extended into the lives of each of his grand and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister. He is survived by his wife, Anna of the home; children, Lenzy and wife Deborah of Licking, Mo., Patricia Ryno and husband Terry of Louisburg, Mo. along with Kenneth and wife Michelle and Charles and wife Teresa, all of Licking; grandchildren, Tony Ryno and wife Lisa of San Diego, Calif., Debrina Smith and boyfriend Jarrett McBride of Edgar Springs, Mo., Cassie Watskey and husband Tyler of Springfield, Mo., Kenneth and Heather Smith, Brandi, Melinda, Steven, Gracie, Sarah Hobbs and Morgan Smith; one great-grandchild, Malachi Smith; one sister, Opal Stevens of Ypsilanti, Mich., as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Fox Funeral Home in Licking, Mo. Funeral services with full military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Rock Springs Baptist Church with Pastor Rodley Lewis officiating. Interment will be in Rock Springs Cemetery near Licking.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Fox Funeral Home of Licking, Mo., and those wishing to post on-line condolences may do so at www.foxfh.net