Garold “Bud” Smothers, 84, of Grinnell, died Sunday, May 25, 2025, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church north of Malcom. Interment with military honors will be held at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 29, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell and his family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Memorials may be designated to the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery Association or to the St. Francis Manor Foundation and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Garold Lee Smothers was born June 5, 1940, in Montezuma to Louis James and Esther (Sammon) Smothers. He was raised on the family farm near Montezuma, where he developed a deep love for the land and farming, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. Bud graduated from Deep River High School with the Class of 1958. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Nov. 20, 1965, Bud was united in marriage to Carole Schultz at Trinity Lutheran Church near Malcom. They made their home in Grinnell, where they raised their two children, David and Jodie, and built a life filled with faith, family, and community.
Bud worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation before becoming a dedicated truck driver for Golden Sun Feeds, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement in 2002. A devoted member of his community, Bud was active in the Grinnell American Legion Post 53, a lifetime member of both the Elks Lodge and Eagles in Grinnell, and a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served on the church council and cemetery board for many years, offering his time and talents wherever needed.
Bud dearly loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandson. He never missed a chance to attend their school and athletic events. Sunday evenings were a cherished tradition of popcorn and family time. Known for his strong faith, generous heart, and tireless spirit, Bud found joy in restoring old tractors with friends, staying busy, and doing anything related to farming.
Bud is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carole Smothers of Grinnell; son, David (Annie) Smothers of Grinnell; son-in-law, Larry Gallagher of Grinnell; grandchildren, Tatum Choate, Ella Smothers, and Lexie and Jack Gallagher; great-grandson, Finley Vos; brothers, Bill (Charlene) Smothers of Marshalltown and Ed Smothers of Winterset; and sisters-in-law, Jan Keenan of Colfax, Kaye Smothers of Newton, Virginia Smothers and Pat Smothers of Montezuma; many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jodie Gallagher in 2020; and brothers, Jim, Raymond, Fred, and Jack Smothers; and nephews Todd Hess and Lester Smothers.
