R.E. Smith Obituary

Robert Edward "Eddie" Smith, 81, passed away on June 27, 2025, in Houston, Missouri from complications from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Eddie did not lose a battle. He remained determined at every turn. First with colon cancer, then with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, two clinical trials, and the decision to end medical intervention on his own terms.
Born on June 20, 1944, in Springfield, Missouri, Eddie was the eldest of two children born to parents Robert Ernest "Cotton" Smith and Harriette (Hennick) Smith. He was raised in Neosho, Missouri, and later attended high school in Springfield.
Eddie met the love of life his life, Joan Miller, in 1963 when they both worked for Sears Department Store. After graduating from Drury University with a degree in business, Eddie and Joanie made their home in Springfield before moving their family to Houston in 1968.
Although Eddie wasn't born and raised in Houston, he held deep respect and dedication for the town and Texas County. A businessman and community banker for more than five decades, he also served as Secretary and Board Member of the Houston Development Company for 50 years. Over the years, he actively supported the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, the Texas County Livestock Fair, and was a member of the United Methodist Church. In the late 1980s, he helped establish Smith Family Farms, a legacy now carried on by the third generation of his family.
Eddie enjoyed time with family at the lake, discovering new interests, vinyl records, all types of vehicles – classic and modern, horses, the wit of Will Rogers, sharing stories (lots of stories!), his beloved employees, new projects, gospel music, cowboy hats, and everything about Hawaii - including pineapple on his pizza. As someone who had a mind like a steel trap, he could summon the past with precision recalling vivid details about people, places and experiences. Despite his health issues, his memory was amazingly sharp until the end.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Christian. He will be dearly remembered by those he loved the most: his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Joanie; daughter, Tracie Holley (Russ); daughter-in-law, Laura Smith; and grandsons, Taylor Smith and Tanner Smith; plus, a host of friends-like-family and Hawaiian 'Ohana. He often encouraged others to adhere to the K.I.S.S. principle - "Keep It Simple" - even if he didn't always follow it himself. Still, in that spirit, his one simple wish was for a private family remembrance upon his passing.
The family would like to thank the second-floor angels at Texas County Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Texas County Food Pantry, Shriners Children's St. Louis (Office of Philanthropy, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110), TCMH's Hospice of Care or the charity of your choice.
Eddie would be pleased that he passed away on Aloha Friday. We are sure he has donned a Hawaiian shirt and cowboy hat in heaven. A Hui Hou until we meet again.
Texas County Food Pantry - https://texascountyfoodpantry.org/ Shriners Children's Hospital-St. Louis - https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/st-louis/about-us/ways-to-give TCHM's Hospice of Care - https://www.tcmhfoundation.org/
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