John R. Smith, 69, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
John Raymond was born on January 1, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Wayne Gale and Laura Ellen (James) Smith. He grew up on the family farm near Adair, Iowa, and this is where his love of being on two wheels started with his dirt bike. John graduated from Adair High School in the Class of 1973. Following graduation, he worked in construction for many years and after moving to Atlantic, was employed by the City of Atlantic with the Street Department and later in Wastewater, in addition to doing various odd-jobs around town.
John was married to Theresa Thompson and blessed with son, Jeremiah and later, Eve Wheeler and was blessed with daughter, Angelic. He later met Arletta Lynn Harrington in San Diego, California and the couple married on May 7, 1988, and moved to Atlantic a short time later.
If NFL or college football was on, there was no doubt what he was watching; the Huskers, Bear and Chiefs being who he rooted for! No football, well then, The History Channel it was for American Pickers, Curse of Oak Island or anything else that may be on. John was an animal lover from his own dogs, Buddy and Sara, Bearded Dragon, Smiley, Russian Tortoise, Spike, to grand-dogs, Vada and Remi.
Life gave John many ups and down but a decision to become sober opened up a whole new lease on life and allowed him to reconnect with family. He was grateful to have been sober since May of 2012. His grandkids loved when he was there cheering them on at their various sporting activities, enjoyed watching football with him, and grandson, Jack looked forward to their fishing adventures. Time with friends was spent barbequing, fishing, and riding motorcycles. Each year John looked forward to attending the Chief Blackhawk Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet with longtime friend, Gale Wad. John’s faith was always present but it grew leaps and bounds in recent years. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was thankful to see him working for good in his life and for others. He had a heart to serve! Attending a church with many in deep need, he also gave his time serving meals at the Table of Mercy and visiting with the homeless at the Bethel Mission and the Siena Francis House with close friend, Scotty. When it was just him and he needed a release he would hit the open road on his Can-Am or find a peaceful spot on the back pond at the quarry.
John’s quiet nature and sense of humor will be missed by his son, Jeremiah Smith of Madrid, IA; daughter, Angelic (Mike) Kelly of Atlantic, IA; grandchildren, Samantha, Quintin and Aiden Smith and Caleb (Ashley), Hunter, Jeffrey, Jack and Willow Kelly; sister, Gail (Mike Doyle) Lohoff; uncle, Ron (Alice) Smith of Council Bluffs, Iowa; niece, Tara (Colby) Wheeler of Atlantic, IA; nephews, Jason (Amy) Lohoff of Creston, IA and Adam (Andrea) Lohoff of Panama, IA; and many cousins and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Laura Smith; wife, Arletta Lynn Smith; and great-nephew, Kooper Lohoff.
Visitation with the family present will begin at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14th at Hillside Hope Assembly in Atlantic, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. A time of fellowship will be held immediately following the service.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for John’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.
