SMITH, Gordon (1904-1986)

SMITH

Posted By: Von Stachon (email)
Date: 3/10/2007 at 21:22:49

OBITUARY

GORDON SMITH

Funeral services for Gordon Smith, 82, of Traer, were held Monday, Dec. 29, at the Overton Funeral Home in Traer with the Revs. Jim and Susan Faunce-Zimmerman officiating. Burial was in Buckingham Cemetery, rural Traer. He died Friday, Dec. 26, at Covenant Medical Center, Kimball Avenue, after having become ill on Thursday.

Organist for the service was Beulah Whannel and vocalist was Jean Staker. Casket bearers were John S. Bauch, Reg Reuman, Robert Ralls, Leland Owens, Stan Hladik and Donald Gates. On the flower committee were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bohnsack.

Gordon M. Smith was born October 24, 1904 in Traer, the son of Ray and Jessie (McCormack) Smith. He received his education in Traer, grduating from Traer High School in 1921. He attended Grinnell College and Northwestern University. He worked as a broker for Lamson and Son Brokerage Firm in Chicago, IL.

Gordon married Elisabeth Oaikley on May 23, 1936, at Quincy, IL, and they made their home in the cities of Mason City, Sioux City and Aberdeen, SD, before returning to Traer where Gordon operated his father's drug store.

After Elisabeth's death in 1966, Gordon continued to make his home at 801 Second Street in Traer.

On January 17, 1970, he married Doris Kahler at Mt. Pleasant, IA, and in 1972 Gordon retired from his store and spent his free time traveling with Doris.

Gordon was a member of the Ripley United Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Doris of Traer; one stepson, KayDon Kahler of Shelton, CT; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Dean (Nancy) Degner of Traer; one brother, Russell of Edmonds, Wash.; one sister Jean Carlson of Mt. Pleasant, as well as seven step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren.