Dennis Smith, 43, of rural Searsboro, passed away Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2021, at Pella Comfort House due to complications from MELAS Syndrome. His body was cremated and a Celebration of Life Service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Apr. 24, at Lynnville Friends Church with Pastors Jamie Bogaard and David Pinkerton officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made be made to the University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and will be used for MELAS Syndrome Research.
Dennis Richard Smith, the son of Richard and Marlene (Brubaker) Smith, was born June 19, 1977, in Des Moines. He was a 1996 graduate of North Mahaska High School and then went to Indian Hills Community College receiving his diploma in appliance repair. After college, Dennis worked at Cunningham Inc., Jeldwen, and Taylor Auto Body before starting at Oskaloosa Walmart in 2005. Dennis was a hard worker and enjoyed staying busy. He was always friendly and almost always had a smile on his face. Dennis made several friends and enjoyed visiting with the customers at Walmart.
In 2018, Dennis had to retire due to his declining health but cherished many memories he made in the 13 years at Walmart. Dennis enjoyed watching NASCAR, attending figure 8 races at Barnes City and What Cheer, going to the Oskaloosa Races, and was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan. He loved spending time with his dad on the road in his semi, going to horse sales, working on his pickup, and driving his miniature horse, Ernie, with his pony cart. Dennis attended Harvest Community Fellowship Church and most recently Lynnville Friends Church.
He is survived by his loving parents, Dick and Marlene Smith of rural Searsboro; two brothers, Carey Smith of Moravia and Kevin Wright of Colfax; seven nieces and nephews, Mary (Jonathan) Landon, Chris (Kayla) Smith, Desiree Richards, Dustin Richards, Tyler Buck, Madison Fenton, and Parker Fenton; along with many other relatives and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his sisters, Cindy Richards and Alissa Fenton; his maternal grandparents, Leo and Norma Brubaker; his paternal grandparents, Lester and Laura Smith; and two nephews, Jacob and Andrew Fenton.
