William Smith

William James Smith was born on April 25, 1923, on a farm near Alden, IA to Ernest and Ruby Smith, where he was raised. He grew up helping on the farm and did that into his adult life.

He married Jessie Mae Lamasters on April 24, 1943, in Princeton, MO. Bill and Jessie moved to Steamboat Rock in 1950 where Bill worked for Harold Luiken & Sons in his car dealership and service department. Bill managed the shop from 1961-1970 when his eyesight began to fail him. He worked at various service jobs in the area until he and Jessie moved to Florida for six months. They then returned to their roots in the Steamboat Rock area. Jessie passed away in 1994 just shy of their 52nd wedding anniversary. He continued to live on the corner where they raised their family until 2009 when he (and his fuzzy companion, Gretal) moved to Marion, IA to be closer to his children.

Bill enjoyed woodworking, old tractors, machinery, crossword puzzles, fishing, cooking and gardening throughout his life including being a Boy Scout Leader which he truly enjoyed.

Survivors include his children; Sharon, Marshalltown; Peg (Wayne), Cedar Rapids; Deb (Randy), Lake City, Fl and his daughter-in-law, Molly, Eldora, as well as fourteen grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren, sixteen step grand grandchildren, sixteen great, great grandchildren and three step great, great grandchildren as well as a sister, Lucretia and a brother, Ralph. Preceding him in death were his wife (Jessie), son (Kenneth) and daughter (Lea Ann), brothers (Russell, Ernest and Vernard).