Roscoe Smith Jr

Roscoe B. Smith, Jr., 78, Independence, MO passed away March 12, 2012. Visitation will be 11 am – 1 pm, Thursday, March 15 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055, followed by a graveside service at 2 pm at Mount Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Heart of America Chapter, 3846 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208 or Nativity of Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, 10017 E. 36th Terrace, Independence, MO 64052.
Roscoe was born July 19, 1933 in St. Joseph, MO and spent his early years there. He was an engineer who worked for the Continental and Hilton Hotels. He was a thirty-eight year member of Operating Engineers Union Local #101 and retired in 1995. He was a handball and racquetball champion and a former Golden Gloves boxer. He was a member of the parish at Nativity of Mary. He enjoyed working N.Y. Times crossword puzzles and taking long walks with his favorite dog, Oliver.
Roscoe was preceded in death by a sister Ruth Thrall. He is survived by his wife of nearly fifty-three years Charlaine Smith, of the home; sons Randy Smith and wife Kassandra; Fred Smith, all of Kansas City, MO; sisters Helen Wood; Beverly Creal; brother Robert Herring, all of St. Joseph, MO; and grandchildren Ben Smith, Erin Smith and Lily Smith.