Benjamin R. Smith

Benjamin Ralph Smith
1918- 2012

Benjamin Ralph Smith, 93, went to be with the Lord and his beloved wife on (January 3, 2012).

The son of Orie J. and Essie (Holmes) Smith, he was born on August 31, 1918 in Kirksville MO. He served in the 32nd Infantry (Red Arrow) Division Company M, 128th, Buna Campaign (New Guinea). The 32nd logged more days of combat than any other WW II United States Army division. On August 18, 1946 he was joined in marriage to Marie Jodine Martin in Queen City, Missouri. He was a lifetime resident of Kirksville, Missouri and was the owner of the Black & White Stock Farm, northeast of Kirksville, well known for its round barn included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Benjamin looked forward to a time when "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation (21:4).

Benjamin was a loving husband, dad and grandpa.

Benjamin is survived by his children, Chris Smith (Nancy) (San Jose, CA), Frank Smith (Lucille) (Kirksville MO), Murl Smith (Rita) (Hannibal MO), grandchildren, Jennifer Easley (Chad) (Kirksville MO), Jeremiah Smith (Shawnee, KS), Michaele Smith (Walnut Creek, CA), Jessica Smith (San Jose, CA), Kelly Smith (Maryville, MO.), Maria Mundle (Hannibal, MO), Pam Belger (Olathe, KS.), great- grandchildren, Keenan, Kylan, Kenzie Easley (Kirksville MO), one sister-in-law, Dorothy Smith (Kirksville, MO.) Numerous cousins, family, friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two brothers, (David and Jacob Smith) and one sister, (Viola Farmer).

Visitation will be Friday, January 6, 2012 at 1 p.m. Funeral Services will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. at the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. With Pastor Aaron Rodgerson, of South Side Baptist Church officiating. Internment with military rites will follow the service at Park View Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Jeremiah Smith, Roger Smith, Chad Easley, Keenan Easley, Kylan Easley and Don Smith.
Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233

Expressions of sympathy in memory of B.R. Smith in the form of a contribution may be done so to the South Side Baptist Church or Great River Honor Flight. Contributions can be left at or sent to the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home.