Smith, Virgil Jay 1927-2013

SMITH, SORENSON, DOWNING

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/4/2015 at 14:24:56

Virgil Smith

Date of Death
Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Akron, Iowa

Virgil Smith, 85, of Akron, Iowa passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at the Akron Care Center in Akron.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2013 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron. Reverend Tanya Sherrill will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Akron with military rites conducted by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2013, with the family present after 5:00 p.m., and a Prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at Carlsen Funeral Home – Schroeder Chapel in Akron. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.carlsenfuneralhome.com.

Virgil Jay Smith was born October 12, 1927 on the family homestead near Akron, Iowa, the son of Ira Frank and Elvera (Sorenson) Smith. He attended Ogden Country School in Plymouth County, Iowa and helped his family on the farm.

He was united in marriage to Mary O. Downing on January 5, 1948 in Sioux City, Iowa. They lived on a farm southeast of Akron.

Virgil was drafted into the United States Army in 1951. He served his country during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged.

After returning from the war, he and Mary moved to O’Neill, Nebraska in1954 for one year until returning to their farm near Akron. Mary passed away October 25, 1998 in Akron. Virgil continued to live on the farm until becoming a resident of the Akron Care Center.

Virgil was a lifelong member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron. He was a 50 year member of the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron where he was Past Commander. Virgil served for many years on the Farmers Coop Board in Akron. He was a leader in soil conservation in Plymouth County. He received the district soil conservation award in 1968. Through the years, Virgil enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards. Most recently he enjoyed watching A-W girl’s softball. But most of all, he loved the times spent with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include two sons: Dennis (Diane) Smith of Akron, and Tim (Barbara) Smith of Westfield, NC; a daughter: Connie (Don) Skou of Marathon, IA; 16 grandchildren: Jerad Smith, Justin Smith, Jaclyn Smith, Brian (Amy) Skou, Ashley Smith, Brandt (Mary) Smith, Colin Smith, Dylan Smith, Eric Smith, Freeman Smith, Graham Smith, Grace Smith, Illyssa Smith, Joshua Smith, Kourtney Smith, and Lavender Smith; 5 great grandchildren: Laura, Brandt Jr., Lakota, Daxton, and Gunnar; 3 sisters in law: Mona Smith of Akron, Lily Ronfeldt of Sioux City, IA, and Anita Corn of Fremont, NE; a brother in law: Charles Downing of Bronson, IA, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; 4 brothers: Harry, Ward, John, and Robert; and 2 sisters: Hope Harbeck and Ella Johnson.

Carlsen Funeral Home
Akron, Iowa