John Denis Smith, of Birch Tree, Missouri, secured his home in Heaven Monday, June 7, 2021, at the age of 64 years. He was born August 17, 1956, to Denis William and Evelyn Laura (Stevens) Smith in Peterborough, England.

After his birth, the family moved to Bermuda and resided for seven years, before moving to the states and settling in at Birch Tree, Missouri where he attended school. After graduation, he joined the United States Army and served our country for three years.

After John left the army, he embarked on truck driving, and the majority of his career was spent pulling a flatbed trailer loaded with steel, lumber, sawdust, or chips.  He enjoyed talking "smack" on the CB with his truck driving buddies, who lovingly referred to him as "Limie".

He also served in law enforcement in Shannon County for several years, as well as serving as Chairman of the Ambulance Board for 35 years also for Shannon County.

In 1975, John was united in marriage to Rhonda Sue Haynes of Winona, MO, and three children were born to this union, Michael John, Marci Lynn, and Aaron David.  Marci was welcomed into Heaven by Jesus on May 27, 1985.  Shortly after, John accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and began preaching in 1987.  In 1988, the family moved to Arkansas where he pastored a church before returning to his roots in Birch Tree.

He loved family get-togethers, with Thanksgiving being his favorite.  He also enjoyed weekend getaways and vacations with family.  Wherever he went, be it to Branson, the lake, river, or even the beach, John was always the life of the party.  We will never forget those amazing adventures we shared with him. John also enjoyed kicking back in his recliner and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs with his brother-in-law, Steve.

John is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Rhonda; two sons, Michael and wife, Jolene and Aaron and wife, Leslie; eight grandchildren, Ethan, Hannah, Dakota, Cole, Kyleigh, Karson, Hayley, and Aariona; two great-grandchildren, Maisyn and Abram; two brothers-in-law, Alan and Steve; and his partners in crime, sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Bobby Miley. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and friends, who will miss him immensely. We will never forget "Dr. John" staying in the delivery room, behind the curtain, while awaiting the birth of Oaklie Wallace.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Denis and Evelyn; daughter, Marci; brother, Steve; half-sister, Evie; and mother and father-in-law, Charlotte and Larry.

John is now rejoicing in Heaven with Marci and catching up with the rest of his family and friends, who were waiting for him.  Can you imagine that reunion and oh, the stories!

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Yarber Mortuary, Birch Tree, Missouri with Pastor Jeff Brake officiating.  Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.  Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Winona, Missouri.  Memorial contributions may be sent to Mt. Zion Cemetery c/o Betty Russell 17911 County Road 576 Winona, Missouri 65588. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.