John P Smith

John P Smith, of Patton, MO, was born April 10, 1940 and passed on September 8, 2025, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. John is the son of Julius and Leona Price Smith (deceased). He was born in Patton, MO, attended grade school at South Liberty and graduated from Patton High School with the class of 1957. John is survived by one sister, Lela Shrum. Two brothers, Jay E Smith and Loyd N Smith have predeceased him along with 2 sisters, Rebecca J Welker, and Bobbi Kay Barks. On April 10, 1966 he married his childhood sweetheart, Sandra Kay Ward. John and Sandy have two children, Rebecca Michelle of Patton and Johnathan Alex (Pam) of Nashville ,Tennessee. Both survive. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Kyle Gresham, Alyssa (Dustin) Roberts, Kailey (Mikey) Gresham,Whitleigh (Tenarius) Whitney, and Emma Marshall. He has 5 great grandchildren, Anna, Emory, Kholson, Remi, and Brantley. In 1963, he entered the United States Army. He served as mail clerk for his battalion in Bamberg, Germany. After he returned he entered flight training and became a commercial pilot in 1974, flying charters for Farmington Airmotive. In 1976 he obtained his Flight Instructor rating and enjoyed teaching. He was a securities representative for Ozark National Life Insurance Company. He worked in the sales field for that company and others for several years. In 1986 he and Sandy built and opened The Catfish Kettle Restaurant in Farmington, Mo. They enjoyed working together in the business for 19 years when they retired. John had other pursuits and interests but farming was always in the midst. He and his family moved to Pinegrove Farm in 1986, where he developed the land into pasture land and put together an excellent herd of angus cattle. John was a devout Christian, and was a music leader in various churches for 50 years, starting at Farmington Free Will Baptist and ending at Pine Hill Church where he was a member. His ability to memorize Bible verses and chapters of the Bible was an inspiration to many. John was loved by many and respected by all. Even in his waning moments as a patient at St. Francis Hospital he was treated with utmost care and love. He had a servant’s heart and God provided the best for him. Visitation for John will be held at the Ford and Liley Patton Funeral Home on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 2-6 pm Funeral services will take place at Pine Hill Church on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at 10:30am with Rev Don Estes officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse or Camp Penuel. Ford & Liley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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John P Smith

April 10, 1940 - September 8, 2025