Dearld Smith

Dearld (Beetle) Smith, 83, of Springfield, passed away, Monday, Oct. 28, 2019. He was born Sept. 26, 1936 in Polk County, to Wilbert and Wilma (Gilliam) Smith. On Sept. 3, 1966, Dearld and Wanda Sappington were united in marriage. They shared
over 53 years together. Smith was a 1955 graduate of
Central High School. In 1977, Dearld and Wanda opened Beetles Trans- mission Service Inc. Smith retired in 1997, but his family still owns and operates the business. Smith was saved and baptized at a young age at Oakville Church.
Smith is survived by his wife Wanda of the home; children, Deborah Laschanzky and husband Pep, Bobby Smith and wife Julie, Greg Smith and wife Nikki, Pamela Myers and husband Dave; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters, Alesia Traiteur and husband Mike, Ginny Tabor; nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other family and many friends.
Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert Smith and Wilma Recknor; mom, Betty Smith; daughter, Cindy Witt; great-grandson, Anthony Witt, brother, Carl Mincks; and longtime friend, Jesse Dunkle.
Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2019 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at the funeral home with burial following in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Dearld’s name to American Heart Association and may be left at the funeral home or at www.wilsongriffin.com.