Wayne Earl Smith, 80, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday (October 17, 2012) at Kirksville Manor Care Center.

The son of George David and Ruby Hill (Brassfield) Smith, Wayne was born September 8, 1932 in Davenport, Iowa. On August 13, 1966, in Kirksville, Wayne was united in marriage to Mary Mae Matthew. Wayne and Mary Mae were married thirty-tree years before she passed away in 1999.

Also preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, George D. Smith Jr. and Charles E Smith.

Wayne is survived by two step-daughters, Penny Jane Lacore and Mary Ellen Watson, both of Kirksville; one twin brother, Ward L. Smith and wife Pennie of Tacoma, Washington; one sister, Mary Perry of Ottumwa, Iowa; his favorite nieces, nephews and their families; one grandson, Herb W. Williams and wife Nancy of Grain Valley, Missouri; and, six great grandchildren, all of Grain Valley, Missouri.

Wayne was a graduate of Kirksville High School with the class of 1951. After graduating high school, Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably from 1952 to 1956, working in aviation. Wayne lived most of his adult life in Kirksville, where he worked as a tree cutter. He was inducted into the Weight Lifting Hall of Fame and the Bowling Hall of Fame. Wayne was an amazing story teller and enjoyed calling Party Line. Every month, Wayne would meet his classmates of 1951 at a local restaurant.

Public visitation will be held Sunday (October 21, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held Monday (October 22, 2012) at 11:00 a.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor John Picker presiding. Interment will follow the service at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Wayne may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.