Joe Donald Smith, 84, of De Leon, went home to his Lord and Savior Tuesday, June 14, 2016, with his family by his side.

He was born June 7, 1932, in Gorman, Texas to John Richard and Rosa Fisher Smith. Joe married his loving wife of 61 years, Billie Anderson, January 29, 1955, in Comanche at First Baptist Church.

Joe proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War Era as a Motor Pool Sergeant. In his civilian life, Joe worked as an auto mechanic and co-owned Smith Brothers Automotive in Duncanville, Texas. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of De Leon and attended Couples II Sunday School Class. Joe was raised in Beattie and graduated from Comanche High School in 1949. He enjoyed farming, being outdoors and travelling. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, friend and neighbor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Smith; son, Johnny Smith and wife, Alysa; grandchildren, Shelby Baugh and husband, Matt, Jordan Smith and wife, Hannah, and Katelyn Sloan and husband, Nathan; great-grandchildren, Brock Baugh, Marshal Baugh, Mattie Baugh and Jace Smith; brother, Larry Smith and wife, Sallie; nephew, Alan Smith; and other extended family. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rosa Smith.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 17, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Brother Daniel Harper and Brother Jackie Auvenshine officiating. Graveside services followed in De Leon Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, in honor of Joe.