Lee Smith, 72, Ozark, MO, passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, June 21, 2025 after a long battle with renal cancer. Lee was a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor to many and will be missed very much.

He was born September 28, 1952 in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of Francis "Collier" and Genella Will (Pemberton) Smith. The Smith family moved to Springfield, MO in 1960, and Lee graduated from Glendale in 1971. Lee married Cathy (Davis) in 1981, and they built a home in Ozark, where they raised their family and he lived until his death.

Lee's early career was spent as the owner of Monarch Manufacturing, and ultimately his passion was inventing new products.  Throughout his adult life, Lee invented many things, including "The Putting Zone"; a game used to practice and improve a golfer's putting skills, "Bigfoot Cutters"; a brush-cutter for skidsteers, and his last business endeavor- "Smith Tactics"; modifications for AR-platform rifles, which was a business he enjoyed successfully running with his family.

Lee's favorite pastime inherited from his father was fishing, whether on Table Rock or deep sea fishing in the ocean. His family have many fond memories from time spent at the family lakehouse or out on the boat. His last fishing trip was in April 2024 with his grandson Collier, son-in-law Matt, and former son-in-law Travis. Closer to home, Lee loved mowing his yard, especially with a grandkid on his lap. Lee also enjoyed eating great food, particularly seafood, and playing pranks: his kids can attest to finding both lizards and frogs loose in the house, and firecrackers being set off in the kitchen.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Joseph Collier Smith and Susan Beth Sohl. Lee is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cathy Silsby (Davis), daughter Lauren Elizabeth and husband Matt Yaktine of Springfield, MO, son Colton Collier and wife Freya (Brand-Allen) of Warrensburg, MO, and son Spencer Davis and wife Margo (Givens) of Springfield, MO. Lee is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, who brought him so much joy: Oliver, Collier, Annalise, Helen, Winona, Abram, and Goldie, as well as many cousins and friends. Lee was very proud of his kids and grandkids.

A visitation will be held Friday, June 27 from 5-7p at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A memorial dinner for family and friends will be held in September with details announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's, a cause Lee contributed to every time he had a healthy grandchild born: https://www.stjude.org/donate