Gary Joe Smith

Gary Joe Smith, 72, of rural Monroe, passed away peacefully at his home on May 28, 2024.

Gary, the son of Lloyd Earl and Marjorie Irene (Trusler) Smith, was born on September 30, 1951 in Marshalltown, IA. He grew up in the Monroe area and attended Monroe schools until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1969. He served his country during the Vietnam war from 1969 to 1976. Following his military service he worked for Northwestern Railroad as a head mechanic for many years. Later he was employed at Bisom Truck Line in Newton as a mechanic and driver. He lived several years in the Nevada and Newton area before returning to the Monroe area in the early 2000′s.

Gary was particularly interested in his family’s genealogy, spending countless hours researching his family history. He was a talented mechanic who could work on all types of machinery and automobiles. Gary loved the outdoors whether it be tinkering in the garage, doing carpentry work, gardening, and raising a few cattle over the years (all became his pets). Gary was a loving, giving and caring person who will be deeply missed by his family.

Gary is survived by his two children, Wesley Smith and Wendy Smith, both of Newton; Grandchildren, Addison Smith and Wyatt Smith; his mother, Marjorie Smith of rural Monroe; Siblings Darrell (Pam) Smith of Newton, Linda (Rick) Willer of Melbourne, Fl., Susan Ayers (Sam Fucaloro) of Des Moines and Lori Ryther of Newton; and mother of his children, Paula Smith of Newton. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Smith and two nieces, Robin Southern and Nikole Stephen.