Earl Smith, age 82, of St. Louis, gracefully left our world on April 5, 2022 at 2:56am at Delmar Gardens on the Green. He was born April 20, 1939 in Qulin, MO, the son of the late Alfred “Pearl” Smith and Leona “Rosie” (Gray) Smith.
Earl is survived by three children: Earl “Eddie” (Stephanie) Smith of Imperial, MO, Amanda Gianino of Lemay, MO, and Pamela Gianino of Mascoutah, IL; two siblings: Clara (John) Lane of Warrenton, MO, Wanda (Pat) Timlin of Sullivan, MO; thirteen grandchildren: Trenton, Alidia, Kaylee, Alayna, Jenna, Seth, James “JD”, James, Emily, Bryson, Anna, Trinity, Aryah; and countless nieces, nephews, friends, and fellow marines.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings: Bearl Smith (Earl’s twin who passed away at the age of 3 months), Terry Smith, and Allen Smith.
Earl was a beloved father, grandpa, uncle, friend and Marine. He grew up in Southern Missouri. Corporal Earl Smith joined the Marine Corps February 6, 1962, served in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged on May 2, 1966. Earl’s favorite place in the world was Australia, where he “fought the kangaroo and lost his behind”.
Earl was a hard working, dedicated father who was always there for his children. From teaching them how to bait a hook, check the tires and oil, to folding the BEST paper airplane- Earl was always there, and there was no problem he couldn’t solve.
Earl could always be found with an ice cold Busch or a cup of freshly brewed black coffee. If you knew him, you’d know he’d give you the shirt off his back to help you out. Earl didn’t have a mean bone in his body, but he was stern, and we respected him for it. You could always count on Dad, or “Uncle Earl” as he was known by all kids, related or not.
Earl’s favorite hobbies included deer hunting, cooking (especially saving the drippings for gravy), fishing, vegetable gardening, and working on cars. Earl lived a rich life, full of experiences around the world through as many opportunities as he could find. He influenced every soul he touched and will be greatly missed by us all.
We love you “this” much, Dad, and will for always.
VISITATION: Thursday, April 14 at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MICHEL FUNERAL HOME.
Burial is at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 1:30pm following the visitation. Please remember JBVA does not want us to hang around afterwords. We can all meet at Amanda’s house afterwords which is about 5min from the cemetery. Parking will be difficult but we can work together and make it work.