Joseph Fredrick Smith

Timothy Granger Smith, Candance Smith, and Kimberly Jo Peterson announce with deep sorrow the loss of their beloved father, Joseph Fredrick Smith, who passed away on January 9, 2026. Joseph is now at peace in his heavenly home, reunited with his beloved wife, Mary Sue Roberts Smith.

Joseph was born on January 3, 1935, in Douglas County, Missouri, to Arthur Marion and Minnie Smith. He spent his childhood and young adult years in rural Ava, Missouri, where he worked on the family farm, graduating from Ava High School in 1953. These early years shaped his strong work ethic, love of the land, and deep appreciation for simple, honest living.

He proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1958, serving in Austria and concluding his military career at White Sands, New Mexico. His years of service reflected his sense of duty, discipline, and commitment to country.

Joseph was a man of many talents. He worked throughout his life in a variety of trades, including carpentry and the logging industry, with work taking him throughout the western and midwestern United States. An adventurer at heart, he loved to travel, explore new places, and experience the richness of the world around him.

A gifted musician, Joseph was especially known for his love of bluegrass music, performing in small venues from Missouri to Idaho. Some of his music was recorded by The Country Gentlemen, a testament to his skill and passion. He was also a natural storyteller, scriptorian, and orator, with a gift for teaching and inspiring others through words.

Joseph was a great-grandson of Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He carried this heritage with devotion. In his later years, he immersed himself in his greatest passion—scripture study—often spending hours each day reading, studying, and teaching. He loved the Lord deeply and dedicated much of his final years as a minister, helping others understand the importance of aligning their hearts with the Savior and unity.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sue Smith. He is survived by his sister Barbara Burgin; children Tim Smith and his wife Suzanne; Candance Smith; Kimberly Jo Peterson and her husband Steve; grandchildren Amber Mounts and her husband Christopher; Scarlett Smith, Bryan Davis and his wife Charlene; Leah Wiegand and her husband Addison; great-grandchildren Miles, London, and Griffin Mounts; and a host of nieces and nephews who were well loved by him.
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Funeral services will be held at Ava Family Funeral Home at, 401 N Jefferson Ava, Missouri, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Dobbs Cemetery. There will be a viewing Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 5:00-7:00 PM, also at Ava Family Funeral Home.