Gene Van Smith, Sr.

1939 - 2026

Gene Van Smith, Sr. 86, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at his home in Gladstone, Missouri. A "Celebration of Life" will be set in the Spring of 2027 with interment at Raymore Missouri Cemetery, with Cullen Funeral Home of Raymore, Missouri directing.

Gene was born in Earlham, Iowa to Raymond and Pauline (Addy) Smith. Gene attended school at Des Moines Technical High School. Then worked at Sheet Metal Workers Union Local No. 2 for over 40 years in Kansas City, Missouri, retiring in 2001.

He was united in marriage to Patricia (Patti) Owensby Elliott, on February 14, 1993 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Gladstone, Missouri.

Gene was full of life, energy and enjoyed tinkering around the house. He always had a project going on. His major project was to add a two-story 40' x 40' addition onto their home, which he designed and built himself. A real man cave. HE DID IT!

Gene is fondly remembered by his devoted wife, Patti, of 33 years; his sons Gene Smith (Diane) of Brundidge, AL; Gregory Smith of Tucson, AZ; his daughter Gwynlyn Hoffman of Ottumwa, IA and his stepson Michael Elliott (Christina) of Lenexa, KS.

He is also remembered by his grandchildren: Jaclyn Smith Hammond (Stan) of Leeds, AL; Dustin Smith (Hannah) of Brundidge, AL; Justin Smith (Michelle) and Dalton Smith (Jenn) of Tucson, AZ; Karyna Napier of Bettendorf, IA; Emma Smith of Ellwood, PA; Addy Smith and Elliot Smith of Prospect, PA; Sara Sleeth Sims (fiancé Eric Sanders) of Rose Hill, IA; Mikaela Hoffman of Ottumwa, IA; Anna Elliott Hager (Wesley) of Wichita, KS and Taylor Elliott of Denver, CO.

Also great-grandchildren: Brady Hammond (Virginia) of Troy, AL; Sydney Hammond of Leeds, AL; Devan Smith of Brundidge, AL; Raelynn Smith and Keeghan Smith of Tucson, AZ; Dante Sims of Ottumwa, IA; Delilah Sims and Dominic Sims of Rose Hill, IA; Kaylyn Musgrove of Ottumwa, IA; Caitlyn Sanders of Oskaloosa, IA; Courtney Sanders of Maryville, MO; Caylee Sanders of Rose Hill, IA and one great-great grandson, Logan Smith of Troy, AL.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brother Keith Smith; sister Betty Smith Gordon; former wife, Nancy Keener Smith and a grandson, Trenton Smith.

Thanks to Ascend Hospice for all the care and concern that was given.

Special thanks and appreciation to Brenda and Gene, Teresa, Rea, Janette, Lynne, Sylvia, Kendall and Jenna with children Charlotte, Harvey, Ruby and Sam. Also, Phyllis (sister) and Heather (niece) Clark. ALL of your friendship, love and kindness throughout our difficult times has helped both of us in countless ways. THANK YOU!

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278