Joseph Russell Smith, Sr., the son of Russell and Ruby (Peterson) Smith was born September 8, 1943, at Aurora, Illinois. He passed away suddenly on January 24, 2023, at his home at Castle Rock, Colorado, at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 16 days.

Joseph was raised in Red Oak and graduated from Red Oak High School. He worked at Red Oak Wholesale and the bowling alley. Joseph was united in marriage with Loeva M. Singleton in October of 1965, in Red Oak. Iowa. He was a meat butcher for many years working in the states of Iowa, New York, New Jersey, Texas and Missouri. Joseph then moved to the state of Washington, where he and Loeva adopted a baby boy in the middle of winter. They picked him up after snow had fallen with his mother, Ruby, who all together brought him home the next day. Joseph began a career in land investment starting with logging property. He then extended to Oregon and California. Joseph moved to Castle Rock, Colorado, in 2007, helping his son to expand his career in computer engineering. Joseph was a pilot and owned his own plane. In 1976, Joseph placed his faith in Jesus Christ and continued his faith witnessing to others.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Paul and Chester.

Joseph is survived by his son, Joseph Smith II and his wife, Santi of Castle Rock, CO; sister, Betty Palmer and her husband, Marion of Gilmer, TX; and sisters-in-law: Grace Smith of Hurricane, UT and Sandra Smith of Malvern, IA; other relatives and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed from Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak, Iowa
Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak, IA

Visitation with the family will be held Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Joseph's arrangements and serving his family.