Drexel Jerome Smith, 86, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, passed away June 20, 2017.

He was born on Dec. 19, 1930, in North Platte to Harold and Leita (Messersmith) Smith. Drexel grew up in North Platte until he moved to Corvallis, Oregon, with his family when he was 13. He returned to North Platte four years later.

He married Ardis Jean Staples on Feb. 1, 1948. The couple lived in North Platte until January 2010 and then moved to Mountain Grove.

He was an active member of the Wesleyan Church in North Platte and became a member of the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene after moving to Mountain Grove. He was a wonderful Christian husband, father and grandfather.

He was hired by Union Pacific Railroad as a fireman oiler in 1949. He retired as a conductor in 1992.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donlay and Gordon Smith; daughter, Kathy Boldt; and granddaughter, Carrie Elizabeth Smith.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; children, Steven Smith of Louisville, Colorado, Vicki (Steve) Thompson of Norwood, Missouri, Andy (Kathy) Smith of Sabetha, Kansas, Doug (Mary Beth) Smith of Norman, Oklahoma, and Bette (Mike) Brandewie of Corpus Christi, Texas; one sibling, Blaine (Juanita) Smith of North Platte; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene, Mountain Grove, c/o Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home with the Rev. Gene Edwards officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 23, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove, which is in charge of arrangements.