Byron Smith

Byron Smith, 87, of Edwards, MO passed away Monday, May 20th 2013. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday, May 24th 2013 at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 E 39th Street, Independence. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens in Independence.
Byron was born July 22nd 1925, to Floyd C. and Miree (Hufferd) Smith; one of seven children. He was born and raised in Independence where, in his adult life, he worked for the City of Independence as a Mechanic until 1977. Byron was first married to Opal (Shultz) Smith and together they raised two girls. In 1982 they retired to Warsaw, MO where they both enjoyed traveling, gardening, and fishing. After Opal’s passing in 1992 he married Betty Flowers in 1994 and they spent the last 19 years traveling, attending Cross Timbers Baptist Church, spoiling their combined grandchildren, and supporting the family cattle farm. Byron also enjoyed wood carving, and gifting his carvings to those he loved.
He is survived by wife, Betty Flowers Smith of Warsaw, MO; daughters, Ruth Walby and husband Ron of Blue Springs, MO; Janet Smith of Crestview, FL; stepchildren, Larry Flowers and wife Sharyn; Mike Flowers and wife Veda; Debra Flowers Henderson and husband Mike; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren; siblings, Marjorie Drown; Edrie Lou Nickerson; Miree Ellen Smith; and Kathleen Small. Byron was preceded in death by his beloved Opal, and brothers, Eugene and Robert Smith, and grandson, Scott Walby. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Cross Timbers Baptist Church, Cross Timbers, MO; or to American Cancer Society.