John Joseph Smith died peacefully following a brief illness on January 2018 in Springfield, Missouri. He joins his beloved wife Jane who passed away in 2009.

Dad was born in Wilton, Iowa on October 3, 1938, to the late John and Juanita Maurer Smith.

On his 17th birthday, Dad joined the U.S. Navy and served on the aircraft carrier the USS Forrestal. He was a proud veteran who could always be seen wearing his USS Forrestal hat.

Following his Navy service, Dad went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller. He loved to fly and was a licensed pilot. After retiring from the FAA, dad earned a degree in horticulture from Iowa State University.

Dad was a life-long learner and voracious reader, especially anything related to science, astronomy, and physics. When he wasn't reading, he could be found tearing the hell out of things around the house, gardening, and working in his yard.  He was always helping neighbors and friends with projects. Part of his daily routine was to hang the U.S. flag from sunrise to sundown every day.

He is survived by his three children, Molly Chappell and husband Rand, Charleston; IL, Carol Zatorski and husband Harold, Richmond, VA; and Tom Smith and his wife Heidi, Springfield, MO.  He leaves behind four granddaughters that he loved dearly, Lauren and Paige Chappell, Kate Smith, and Leah Zatorski.

He was adored by his family and friends in Iowa who called him "Joe." He is survived by two sisters and a brother in Moscow, IA; Catherine Leggins and husband George; Mary Laucamp and husband Bill; and Doug Smith and wife Connie. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, his parents, and brothers Jerry, Robert, and Bill.

Burial with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on February 7, 2018 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.