Gary Holton Smith Sr.

Gary Holton Smith Sr., 77, of Bowling Green, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Veteran’s Home in Mexico, Missouri. Memorial services for Gary will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes & Crematory with Pastor John Davis officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 28th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation rites are under the direction of Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes & Crematory. Gary was born November 28, 1945 in Bowling Green, Missouri to Charles Day and Wilma (Wood) Smith. He was united in marriage to Flordeliza Cruza on September 18, 2012 in the Philippines. She survives. Also surviving are sons, Gary Smith Jr. of Hannibal and Nathaniel Holton Smith of Bowling Green; daughters, Christine Calloway (Ken) of San Diego, California, Renee Walter (Aaron) of Elk Heart, Indiana, and Angie Silvey (Larry) of Louisiana, Missouri; grandchildren: Brian Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Myles Smith, Morgan Findley (Andre), and Sheldon Silvey; great-grandchildren: Ty Findley, Ella Findley, Kaiden Silvey, Lincoln Silvey, and one due in March; brothers, Leon Smith and Loren “Woody” Smith; sisters, Jewel Smith, Elouise Weese, and Edith See; along with nieces, nephews, and a large extended family. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth E. “Judy” Smith; grandson, Zach Silvey; brother, Riley Joe Smith; and sisters, Linda Quest, Jeanie Todd, and Geneva Mingee. Gary attended Curryville Elementary and then Bowling Green High School. After high school, Gary joined the Marines and served in Vietnam, where he repaired tanks and anything on tracks. Upon returning to the States, Gary spent time in California and Illinois, eventually ending up back in Missouri. He worked as an appliance and auto repairman, though he could fix just about anything. Gary lived to fish and go boating with his buddies. He also enjoyed spending time with family and playing scratch-off lottery tickets. He was especially fond of his German Shepard dogs. His favorite was Katie, with her litter going for K-9 training. Gary was a member of the VFW. Memorials may be made to the Mexico Veteran’s Home.

Gary Holton Smith Sr.

November 28, 1945 - February 24, 2023