10/27/2011
Raymond Smith, 71 was born November 17, 1940 at home in rural Knoxville to Glenn
and Anna Ellis Smith. He went to grade school at Scott Country School near Attica
and then finished his education in Knoxville, graduating from Knoxville High School
in 1959.
In 1961, Raymond and Kathleen Bankus were united in marriage. With this union, four
children were born: Billy, Garla, Deanna, and Donnie.
Raymond and his family lived in Des Moines and Ankeny where he owned and operated
his own concrete business. In 1974, he moved his family to Arispe, Iowa where he
helped operate a cattle and grain operation.
Then in 1976, they moved back to Knoxville where he purchased a family farm. Raymond
farmed and worked as a foreman for several paving companies before retiring due
to his health around 2000.
In 1989, Raymond and Sally began their courtship which lead to marriage in December
27, 1999. Raymond and Sally enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, camping
at the Iowa State Fair, and especially just jumping in the car and taking road trips
around the country.
Raymond loved the outdoors. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, camping, gardening,
western movies, cooking, and early morning coffee at the Columbia Store.
Raymond was the epitome of a hard-working man and took pride in that trait. He truly
loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible.
Raymond fought a long hard battle with diabetes and heart disease. His love for his
family and friends kept him fighting this battle until his tired body was laid to
rest at the family farm on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents: Glenn and Anna (Ellis) Smith and a
grandson, Christopher Comer.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Sally; children: Bill (Tami) Smith, Garla Comer,
Deanna Wahl, and Donnie Smith; stepsons: Doug (Kathy) Harrington and Greg (Kathy
Harrington; grandchildren: Tasha & Taylor Smith, Megan Comer & Marisa Lundy. Emma
Donahue, Connar & Lily Wahl, Addyson Smith, Nicki (David) Rosa, Rebecca & Kaitlin
Harrington, Ethan & Lucas Harrington; great-grandchildren: Jayden & Elijah Smith,
Gabryielle & Graicee, and Layla Harrington.
He is also survived by sisters: Beverly (Richard) Kading and Linda (Wayne) Roberts.
Memorials to the Knoxville Rescue Unit
Sunday, October 30, 2011 – 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM
Pierschbacher Funeral Home
803 Garfield St
Melcher-Dallas, IA 50163
Service:
Monday, October 31, 2011
11:00 AM
New Covenant Church
1510 W. Madison
Knoxville, IA 50138