Nova Darrell Smith

Nova Darrell Smith was born January 19, 1930, to Jess and Etta (Johnson) Smith. He was born and raised in Oates, Missouri. Darrell was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean War. After returning from the war in 1953, he finished high school and graduated with the class of 1957 from Lesterville High School. Darrell was united in marriage to Mildred Mathes, on May 23, 1953, and to this union was blessed to share three children: Lingell, Dirk, and Rhonda. Darrell and Mildred shared forty-eight years of lasting memories together before her passing on December 8, 2001. Darrell later married Betty Ogle, on August 5, 2006, and to this union gained four children: Janet, Robert, Tina, and Rhea. Darrell and Betty were blessed with seventeen years of marriage before her passing on December 2, 2023. During his working career, Darrell worked for McDonnell Douglas on the Gemini Project; he drove the bus for Lesterville Schools for twenty-five years; and operated a road grader for the Reynolds County Road and Bridge Department until he retired at the age of sixty-two years. An avid outdoorsman, Darrell loved spending time outdoors primarily trout fishing at either Montauk or Bennett Springs State Park. In his younger years, he liked hunting for coons along with deer, turkey, and squirrel. When he wasn’t outside, he enjoyed reading a Louis L’Amour novel. Above all else, he enjoyed being with his family as they were very important to him. Darrell cherished his grandchildren, treasured his great-grandchildren, and adored great-great-grandchildren. Darrell was a man of great faith and longtime member of Locust Grove United Baptist Church. He earned his fifty-year pin with the Hopewell Masonic Lodge #239 and was also part of the Eastern Star #273 OES. Darrell entered eternal rest May 9, 2024, in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his daughter-in-law: Pam Smith of Oates, MO; son-in-law: Charles Osterberg of Juliaetta, ID; grandchildren: Jessica Smith and husband Eric Meyer of California and Jason Smith and wife Lindsay of Sullivan, MO; great-grandchildren: Logan and Nova Harper; step- grandchildren: Todd Johnson and Travis Johnson; stepchildren: Janet Medlock and husband Dudley of Plano, TX, Robert Stephen Ogle and wife Mary of Clever, MO, Tina Clements and husband Barry of Viburnum, MO, and Rhea Barton and husband Nick of Viburnum, MO; as well as a host of step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his wives: Mildred (Mathes) Smith and Betty (Jarvis) Ogle-Smith; son: Dirk Smith; daughter: Rhonda Osterberg; stepson: Lingell Johnson and his first wife Carol and second wife Rinda; step-grandchildren: Timothy Johnson; parents: Jess and Etta Smith; and brothers: Noel and Roy Smith. Darrell was truly one of the kindest and most generous men you would ever meet. He was a very humble servant of the Lord who never met a stranger. He will be forever missed by those who loved him most. Funeral Services for Nova Darrell Smith were held Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Locust Grove United Baptist Church with Pastor Garry Mathes and Pastor Keith Barton officiating. Special Music was provided by Kevin and Kim Abney. Serving as Pallbearers were Steve Ogle, Nick Barton, Jason Smith, Todd Johnson, Travis Johnson, and Robert Smith. Honorary Pallbearers were Barry Clements and Rich Barton. Military Honors was provided by the United States Army Honors Team. Burial was in the Myers Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Viburnum, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Darrell Smith to Locust Grove United Baptist Church and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Nova Darrell Smith

January 19, 1930 - May 9, 2024