Thomas Gene Smith, 80, of rural Fulton, passed away at his home on May 8, 2022, after a lengthy illness.

Thomas was born in Marblehead, Illinois on November 21, 1941, a son of William Andrew Smith and Helen Frances Rudsell Smith. He married Judith “Judy” Baker on September 21, 1959. The family had formerly lived in the states of Illinois, Colorado, Florida, and Alabama before moving to Missouri where Thomas and Judy were owners and operators for over 50 years of Thomas Smith Construction. Thomas specialized in exterior home improvements and was known for his craftsmanship, putting his clients first, and his honesty. Many homes, businesses, and churches in Howard and surrounding counties still reflect his attention to detail and quality work.  

Thomas was a big man with a stubborn, yet kind heart, examples of which included helping those with limited means with necessary repairs, extending credit to those he felt were honest, and helping others with a step up in life. He also loved animals, especially cats, constructing a climate-controlled “cat house“ for the family’s outdoor cats. In his earlier life, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Thomas had no affiliation with organized religion, but he believed in a power on high and the divine creation of God. He always said everything could not have just happened. Now he has gone to meet that Creator.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years and longtime caregiver, Judy of the family home; three sons, Thomas Andrew and wife Kim, Douglas Roy, and Daniel Lee; two brothers, Lonnie Eugene Smith and Billie Keith Smith; a sister, Janet Marie Bringer; his mother-in-law, Ruby Baker; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Gene Smith; a brother, Robert Duane Smith; four sisters, Bettie Lou Rosa, Dorothy Louise Bringer, Carlene Frances “Cookie” Johnson, and Patricia Ann “Tunie” Jackson; and his father-in-law, Roy Baker.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at West Side Cemetery in Versailles, Illinois.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the West Side Cemetery Association or the Fayette PAWS Program.

Condolences may be shared at www.carryager.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Carr-Yager Funeral Home, Fayette, Missouri.