Obituary of Dennis Leon Smith

Dennis Leon Smith, 81-year-old resident of Doniphan, MO, departed this life Saturday, June 8, 2024. He was born September 29, 1942, in Poplar Bluff, MO, to the late Wilbur Leon and Etta Mae (Keathley) Smith.

 

Following in the footsteps of his parents, Dennis continued the legacy of being an entrepreneur with his professional endeavors including a wide range of businesses from Smith Lumber Company, Smith Furniture, and The Tin Lizzie Restaurant. The Tin Lizzie Restaurant incorporated the families’ love of vintage automobiles by making the popular salad bar resemble a Model T car. Dennis concluded his career working alongside his wife, Genie, at Plaza Flowers, which they had owned and operated for 50 years. It is debatable whether delivering flowers brightened his day more than those who received the flowers because he found such deep reward in bringing joy to others. Dennis was a prolific writer and photographer. His writings ranged from Letters to the Editor in The Prospect-News, where he had formerly written news articles, to his “Dog-Gone” stories and greeting cards. His Letters to the Editor always included complimentary writings congratulating new businesses or others on their accomplishments. Dennis’s pictures were works of art others coveted, often focusing on local beauty in Ripley County and along the Current River. Dennis was a faithful member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

 

Surviving is his son, Terry (Monya) Smith of Atlanta, GA; a sister, Penny Carson of Cincinnati, OH; and a brother, Kent (Debbie) Smith of Doniphan. Also surviving are his grandsons, Ryan (Lauren) Smith, Connor (Torri) Smith, and Garrett Smith.

 

On July 12, 1964, Dennis married Genie Browning in Kansas City, MO. She preceded him in death on November 19, 2023

 

Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m., also in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Brother Jim Cooper will be officiating, and burial will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Doniphan High School, c/o of Misty Redus. 

mredus@doniphanr1.com

 

“Did you have a good time?”- Dennis

 

 “Yes, Dad, we did!”- His family