Dale Lee Smith's Obituary
Dale Lee Smith, 71, of Opolis, Ks Passed away at 9:28 Pm on Monday, January, 16th, 2023 at Freeman Hospital, Joplin Mo. He was born July 14th, 1951 in Liberal Mo, to Reed B Smith and Wilma Marie (Jackman) Smith. He was a 1969 graduate of Liberal High School.
He was employed by McNally’s Manufacturing/ Engineering following graduation and was engaging in drafting classes. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and remained until January of 1977. During this time, he met and married his first wife Wanda and had his first three children, Keith A Smith, Heath D Smith, and Cherish D Smith. He and Wanda divorced in June of 1980 and Dale moved home to Liberal, Missouri where he helped his parents on the farm. In September of 1980, he was injured in a farm accident that almost severed his arms and half of his face. He was a member of the Oskaloosa Free Will Baptist Church. In 1981 Dale met, Bonnie MacAfee, and her son, Christopher Heffner. Later that year Dale and Bonnie were Married and purchased a house together. Dale took Christopher on as his own child, and Dale and Bonnie Proceeded to have their daughter Stacey in 1983. Dale found a job working for Hix Corporation at this time and worked there for several years. Dale and bonnie divorced sometime in 1989, Dale continued to raise Stacey faithfully and loyally. During this time Dale continued to work at Hix Corporation, went to school at Pitt state University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After retiring from the Air Force, he enlisted in the National Guard and served Faithfully till her retired later in life at the rank of a Staff Sargent. In 1997, he met the last and final love of his life Lisa Short, They were Married in 1999 and Dale helped Lisa raise her two boys and became an integral part of the Short Family over all, Sadly his wife proceeded him in death. Dale continued to care for Lisa’s family and her boys as much as they would let him, until his death. Dale worked at Home Depot during his marriage to Lisa and after her passing he worked for Meals on wheels where he would deliver meals to the elderly and would take the time to stay and visit with them whenever he had the chance.
Dale is Preceded in Death by his brother JR Smith, sister Rita Smith-Pulliam, Mother Wilma (Jackman) Smith, Father Reed B Smith, and His Beloved Wife Lisa (Short) Smith. He is survived by his siblings, Brothers, Earl and Wife Donna Smith of Arizona, Sam and wife Glenda Smith.
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