Joe Smith, 84, born in Galena, Missouri on October 18, 1935, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on November 11, 2019.  Joe traveled for business and in 1967, he met the love of his life, Nadene Rountree, where they married in Texas and blended their family of eight. Many happy memories were made and will be cherished for years to come.

Preceded in death by his mom and dad, Roy Everett Smith and Bernice Ruth Knight, his wife and soulmate Nadene Smith, his three sons Mike Smith, Wade Gass and Jess Gass and his brothers Furman Leroy Smith and Arthur Eugene "Red" Smith.

Joe is survived by sons Don Smith and wife Teresa, Greg Smith, Michael Gass and wife Kristine; daughters Julie Smith Boyd and husband Tommy, Debbie Chandler, Anita Smith and daughter-in-law Edna Smith; he also leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and his four-legged grand-dog.  He had a special bond with his sister-in-law Gladys Smith (Red's wife) and nephew's Dennis Smith and wife Cathy along with their children; Duke Smith and partner Joe Vega-Smith and their children.

There was never a day Joe didn't have a smile on his face, and that smile was huge, or be overjoyed to see a friend.  As a matter of fact, he never met a stranger.  Ever! Joe loved to play poker with his poker buddies of many years, Texas Hold 'Em was his game. He was the life of the party and loved those occasions when everyone from family to old friends, young and old, got together to celebrate a special occasion, or just to celebrate.

One of Joe's special traits was his contagious laugh.  When he laughed, you could not help but laugh with him – that laugh will be missed by so many people. Another "special" trait of Joe's was his organizational skills, in fact, if you touched one piece of paper, and there were lots and lots of pieces of paper on his desk, he knew it right off the bat and would let you know that that was not where it belonged.  We just learned not to touch his desk – then all was well.  Joe loved to work on crafts and was a very good handyman. He loved to drive around in his truck listening to his favorite country music – in the last year or so when he could no longer drive, his caretaker and friend, Bonnie Alford, would drive him around and they would listen, at top volume, to favorites such as George Strait and Garth Brooks.  Back in the day, Joe and Nadene enjoyed dancing on the weekends with friends, Gilley's was their favorite, and that man could cut a rug!  Joe especially missed going to Denny's in Tomball where his nickname was "baby cakes", due to his love for silver dollar pancakes.

The family expresses appreciation to the members of the Omega Life Hospice staff and to the many physicians and nurses who participated in his care this year especially to Bonnie Alford who become a family member while taking care of dad and he adored her.

Joe will be missed by his family, friends and so many others – until we meet again, Dad, go with God – this isn't goodbye, but see ya later.

Joe will be cremated, and at his request, there will not be a funeral service, but a Celebration of Life which will be announced soon.

Well, I'll be go to heaven!