Thomas Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Thomas “Toot” Smith, Jr., 58, of Oskaloosa, died Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at the Mahaska Health Partnership Emergency Room in Oskaloosa. He was born Thursday, October 22, 1959, in Knoxville, Iowa, the son of Thomas and Barbara Roland Smith, Sr. He attended school at Twin Cedars. In 1977, he was united in marriage to Gayla Visser. To this union two children were born, Mandi and Calvin. Tom and Gayla later divorced. In 1981, he enlisted in the United States Navy, he served his country until his honorable discharge in 1985. Upon his discharge from the Navy he returned to Oskaloosa and worked at Oskaloosa foods and for various construction companies. He also worked for a time as a welder. In 1991, he was united in marriage to Christina Bittner. To this union a daughter Taylor was born. Tom and Christina later divorced. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, playing dice, and listening to music. His family was his pride and joy, he delighted in spending time with his children and especially his grandchildren. Not only was he a dedicated father but the “fun” uncle that looked forward to spending time with his nieces and nephews. His family includes his three children, Mandi Jo Smith of Oskaloosa, Calvin (Jessica) Smith of Eddyville, and Taylor (fiancée Christopher Shores) Smith of Northwood; five grandchildren; his father, Thomas (Sammy) Smith, Sr. of Oskaloosa; his stepfather, Lowell “Crow” Pettyjohn of Knoxville; four sisters, Teresa Smith of Knoxville, Noreen Yarbrough of Malcom, Angela Shafer of Ottumwa, and Shari Beaty of Knoxville; two half-brothers, Chad (Tammy) Smith and Dennis Smith both of Oskaloosa; 2 step-sisters, Ann Egdorf of Hospers and Laura (Richard) Fletcher of Millerton; a step-brother, Elvin (Teresa) Brown of Eddyville; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Barb Pettyjohn; a grandson, Xavier Shores; his grandparents, Mabel and Bud Smith and Everett and Mary Roland; a brother, Norman Kyle Smith; and a brother-in-law, Steve Yarbrough. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Mark Doland officiating. Military Rites will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. Burial will be in the Pringle Cemetery east of Bussey, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Friday after 4:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present from 5 – 7 Friday evening to greet friends and family. Memorials may be made to the Family.

Thomas Smith

October 22, 1959 - May 23, 2018