Billy Frank Smith “Butch” of Cantril passed away on Tuesday October 5, 2021 at his home in Cantril. Funeral services will be at 10:30 Monday October 11, 2021 at the Cantril United Methodist Church with Pastor Donna Olinger officiating. Visitation with family will be on Sunday October 10, 2021 at Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua from 2 – 5 PM. Burial with military honors by Russel-Strait Post No. 483 American Legion will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Cantril. Memorials to Maple Grove Cemetery, EveryStep Hospice or Cantril United Methodist Church may be left at the funeral home, church or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 194, Cantril, IA 52542.
Butch was born in Cantril on June 22, 1933, the son of Craig and Iris (Kisling) Smith. He graduated from Cantril High School in 1951 and served in the US army motor pool, stationed in Landstuhl, Germany from 1955 to 1957. He married Donna Bea Short on September 14, 1958 after returning home; they were married for 63 treasured years.
Butch worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator for the majority of his career. He was a member of local 234 and retired in 1996. He continued helping others after retirement driving trucks for Jack sharp, Cole Construction, Amos Zimmerman, Wayne Tedrow and Nutrien Ag solutions.
Butch was also very active outside of work as a member and previous trustee of Cantril Methodist Church; board member of Maple Grove cemetery; Lions Club member and Zone Chairman. Additionally, he served on the Van Buren County Telephone Board, past Villages of Van Buren Board and was a member of Cantril Grassroots and the Cantril Dayz committee.
Butch had many fond work buddies and was a friend to all he met. His lighthearted visits and jokes could always bring a smile. With few words, Butch’s sincerity and tenderness could be felt
He is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Clyde (Deania) Smith of Columbia, MO Susan Smith of Cantril; brothers, Alan (Schelly) Smith of Jefferson City, MO and Larry (Sharon) Smith of Mount Pleasant; sister-in-law, Barber Short of Cantril; grandchildren, Andrea (Jared) Wood of Columbia, MO, Kristin (Michael) McLarren of Columbia, MO and Craig Smith (Haley Hassinger) of Macon, MO; great grandchildren; Maya and Ezra Wood, Chase and Savanah McLarren; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Scott Smith; in-laws Earl and Twila Short; brother-in-law, Dwight Short; uncle and aunt Lloyd “Doc” and Dorothy Smith and a granddaughter, Jancin Smith.
There are many happy memories – card games, coffee chat, front porch sittin, buggy rides with great-grandchildren and so much more – that family and friends will ever cherish. Butch was strong and loving with a perfect balance of ornery for a good chuckle. He leaves an example of a life well lived and will be deeply missed.