IN MEMORIAM: Iron Workers Local 396’s William Ronald Smith

William Ronald Smith, a retired member of Iron Workers Local 396, died Feb. 28, 2021 in St. Louis. He was 84.

Brother Smith grew up on his family farm along the Jacks Fork River and graduated from high school in Eminence, Mo. He entered the U.S. Army in 1958 and was in the 101st Airborne Division. He worked for many years as a union ironworker before retiring in 1999.

He married his wife Patsy on June 22, 2000 in Eminence.

Brother Smith enjoyed working with the animals on the farm and tending his garden. One of his passions was riding horses. He spent many years working as a trail boss at the Cross-Country Trail Ride and was one of the founding members of the Missouri Wild Horse League. He and his wife, Patsy, spent many days taking long rides along the trails in Shannon County.

Brother Smith was most proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed going to their ball games, hunting with them, and looked forward to deer season every
year. He was loved by so many and will be extremely missed. Anyone lucky enough to be his friend was indeed truly blessed.

Brother Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mabel Smith and his daughter, Cammi Michelle Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy Smith; daughter, Linda Smith
Sepac, of Camdenton, Mo.; son, William Scott Smith, of Los Angeles, Calif.; two stepdaughters, Janet Barrett and Michelle Smith, of Eminence, Mo.; five grandchildren, Ginger Chrisco Salmons, Jake Smith, Wendy Smith, Faith Barrett and Hayden Barrett; two great-grandchildren, Tristan
Salmons and Brooklyn Salmons; one sister, Alice Ferguson, of Eminence; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.

Graveside services were held March 4, 2021 at New Eminence Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.