Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Smotherman

Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Smotherman, known to all as "Slats", was born March 29, 1938, in Teresita, MO, the son of Lester Carl and Bertha Elizabeth (Farrar) Smotherman. He passed away June 14, 2021, at his home in Birch Tree, MO, at the age of 83 years, 2 months, and 16 days.

Gene was a 1956 graduate of Birch Tree High School where he excelled in several sports. He served his country in The United States Army. Gene worked for Smith Gas, Demiyt Bros. Construction in Kansas City, and Mtn. View Fabricating, retiring in 2000. He also operated a cattle farm for many years. He enjoyed hunting, playing golf, bowling, and watching all televised sports - especially the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed helping others.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Barbara Kaye (Moore) Smotherman, his three sisters, Wilma Lee Atkins, Mary Alice Reese, and Ellen Mae Crank, oldest brother, William Crawford Smotherman, and one special nephew, Ivan Smotherman, Jr.  He is survived by his daughter with Judi (Birge), Gay Ann Ragan (Kent), granddaughter, Genevieve Anne Ragan, and grandson, Carrington Patrick Ragan; brothers, Howard Roger, Henry Carl (Nancy), Robert Neal (Linda), Floyd Dale (Diana), Ivan Lynn (Delaine), and Allen Leroy (Charlene) Smotherman; three sisters-in-law, Carol Wright, Betty Jo Holland (Tom), and Mary Waterhouse; brother-in-law, Randy Moore (Debbie); numerous nieces, nephews, family members, friends, and countless golfing buddies.

A visitation will be held Monday, June 21, 2021, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Mountain View Golf Course Pavilion in Mountain View, MO. Graveside services will be at 12:00 p.m. in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Teresita, MO with Pastor Barry Felder officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, MO. Memorial Contributions may be sent to Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund c/o Earl Renegar, 4076 State Route T Birch Tree, MO 65438. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com .