Alvin “Al” Smith

Alvin (Al) Smith, 80, passed away Friday, July 25, 2008 at the KU Medical Center. Services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29 at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin. Family visitation was held Monday evening 6:30 to 8 p.m. Interment was at Highland Cemetery in Hamilton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Cemetery or Children’s Mercy Hospital in care of the funeral home

Al was born April 1, 1928 to Vernon and Iona (King) Smith in Camden, Mo. He attended schools at Camden and Orrick, Mo. Al served his country in the Merchant Marines during World War II and later he served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
Al was employed at the Excelsior Springs Laundry and Dry Cleaning for many years. He moved to Las Vegas where he was employed at a Atomic Nuclear test site.

Al was united in marriage to Joann Jewell Aug. 4, 1963 in Kidder, Mo. The couple lived in Hamilton, Mo., where they owned and operated the Hamilton Cleaners for ten years. In 1973 they moved to Gallatin and opened the Century House Furniture Store retiring in 1989.

In 1991 Al was employed as a substitute mail carrier in the Gallatin area retiring in 2004. He was dedicated to his customers, always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done.
Al was a member of the Hamilton American Legion Post 285. The last few years Al could be found at the area flea markets selling gloves. He enjoyed the hours spent visiting and reminiscing with people and making new friends. Al never met a stranger and loved to share stories. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.
Al was preceded in death by his parents and his brother William Smith.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years Joann of the home; two sons, George Smith of Gallatin, Mo., and Vince Smith of Chillicothe, Mo., two daughters, Myrna Morris of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and Jodella Brungardt, of Parkville, Mo. Al has seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.