Obituary of Omer LeRoy Smith

Omer Leroy Smith, 91, of Newton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2025. He was born on January 23, 1934, in Denver Township, Missouri, to Omer B. and Arlene (VanHoutan) Smith.

In June of 1952, Omer enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, serving until June of 1955. While in the military, he married the love of his life, Gloria Faye Pierce, on September 26, 1954, in Missouri.

A chance visit to a new grocery store in Newton led to a lifelong career—he walked into Hy-Vee for bread and milk and walked out with a job. He dedicated 42 years to Hy-Vee, balancing his work with driving a school bus for Newton Schools and later for Excelsior Springs Schools after retirement in 1997.

Omer had a passion for playing Croquet and Rook, as well as woodworking alongside Gloria—he cut the pieces, and she painted them beautifully. Fishing brought him great joy, especially the trips to Canada, where he and his son Steve made lasting memories “off the grid.” Above all, Omer treasured time spent with his family, holding those moments close to his heart.

He is survived by his son Steven (Merribeth) Smith of Newton; brothers Keith Smith of Baxter and Chuck Smith of Newton; and his granddaughter Katelyn M. Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Gloria, and his brother Bob Smith.

There will be a memorial service for Omer at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, IA. The family will greet guests at the funeral home from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Newton Village in Omer’s name.