John Smothers

John T. Smothers, 97, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born Aug. 22, 1921, near Swinton, Missouri, to Orble and Minnie Mann Smothers. He and Lelia Geraldine McLain were married June 19, 1943. She preceded him in death April 28, 2004.

John served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II.

Most of his life he was a Hart’s Bread route salesman.

He was an avid crappie fisherman well into his 80s. He enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour westerns.

He attended Cape First Church and served on the church board for many years.

Survivors include his two sons, Dennis (Kay) Smothers of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Howell Smothers of Cape Girardeau; two grandsons, Jason (Julie) Smothers and Rodney Smothers; a granddaughter, Heather (Yen) Sooton; and 10 great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers, three sisters and a daughter-in-law, Teresa Smothers.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at noon Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Brothers officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Missouri Veterans Home or the Gideons International Memorial Bible Plan.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.