Mr. Dan L. Smith

June 5, 1934 - April 22, 2019

Dan Leland Smith, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away early Monday morning, April 22, 2019 while at his home. Born June 5, 1934 to Glenn Joseph and Adaline Elizabeth (Morton) Smith in Clear Springs, he was 84 years old. Dan received his elementary education at Pine Creek School. Later he attended Willow Springs High School, graduating with the Class of 1951. He was married to the first and only love of his life, Elizabeth M. Lloyd on May 1st, 1954 in Peoria, IL. To this union one child was born. Dan worked for Caterpillar in Peoria, IL for 42 years; starting in the mail room and working his way up to supervisor. He retired in 1993 and enjoyed spending two years with his wife before she passed away in 1995. Dan loved the outdoors. He liked to work at cutting wood, brush hogging, planting flowers, or working in the hay field. He also loved to mow his yard; but he was well known for making rock posts, and it was said he made over 130 on his property. He also loved to watch the wildlife that would venture into his yard. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him. Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, “Libby”; his sister, Glenna Gardner, and a great-grandson, Alex Greuter. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Smith and his wife, Mary of Willow Springs; two brothers, Norbert Smith and his wife, Francine of IL, and Dal Smith and his wife, Bunny of Alaska; one sister, Myrna Klatt and her husband, Terry of Hanna City, IL; a grandson, Jamie Vancil of Willow Springs; four great-grandchildren, Brandon Vancil of Cabool, and Zylie, Chance, and Dakota Vancil, all of West Plains. Further surviving are three sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Dan will be held on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Willow Funeral Home, LLC with Pastor Joel Hinds officiating. A visitation will immediately precede from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Interment will be at the Willow Springs City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com