SAM SMITHSON

EAST PRAIRIE -- Sam Smithson, 62, of East Prairie died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2000, in Columbia.

He was born Dec. 19, 1937, in East Prairie, son of Buster L. and Bea Flowers Smithson. He and Kim Iwata were married Oct. 12, 1958.

Smithson was retired from Smithson Auto Parts in Charleston. He was a member of Mississippi County Transit Board, American Legion Post 112 in Sikeston, current commander and former quartermaster of VFW Post 4294 in Charleston.

He served with the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War and during the Vietnam era, retiring in 1976.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Mark and Chris Smithson of East Prairie; a daughter, Joann Smithson of East Prairie; his mother of East Prairie; two brothers, Danny and Harry Smithson of Edmond, Okla.; a sister, Margaret Russell of Benton; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Friends may call at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie after 1 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Thomas Snavely officiating. Burial will be in Dogwood Cemetery, with graveside rites conducted by the U.S. Air Force.