Roger R. Smith, 86, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.
Roger was born on February 16, 1940, in Sparks, Kansas, to Bert and Vivian (Degolyer) Smith. He graduated from Highland High School in 1958.
He was a devoted member of the Country Side Community Fellowship Church in Stewartsville, Missouri. Roger worked as a welder for Kenworth Trucking of Kansas City for 25 years. He found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching his children and grandchildren experience happiness, sharing his many collections, and pursuing his passions for antique cars, jewelry, plants, antiques, and rock collecting. Above all, Roger’s faith in Jesus Christ never wavered, and his steadfast love for God guided his life.
Roger married the love of his life, Carol Turner, on August 17, 1963, in Atchison, Kansas. Together they shared 63 years of unwavering love and devotion, building a life centered on faith, family, and commitment to one another. Their bond was a constant source of strength and joy, and it remained one of the greatest blessings of his life. She survives at their home.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mark and Robert Smith; his sister-in-law, Nancy Smith; his mother- and father-in-law, Thomas and Margaret Turner; and his brother-in-law, John Turner.
Roger is survived by his children, Corey R. Smith; Mathew Garrett Smith (Debbie); Amy L. Patterson (Michael); and Jolene F. Ellerman (Lee). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Marvin “Corky” Smith (Carol) and George Smith; his sister-in-law, Debbie Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Iola Cemetery in Sparks, Kansas.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Roger Smith Memorial Fund.
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