Gene L. Smith

Gene Leonard Smith passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020, in the hospice unit at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital, Humboldt, Iowa.


He was born Wednesday, February 26, 1964 in Clarion, Iowa and was baptized April 7, 1968 at the first United Methodist Church in Clarion.


In his youth, Gene played football in junior high. In the summer, he mowed lawns for Kirstein mowing service. He attended the annual Sheriffs Association Camp at the Des Moines YMCA Camp. Gene enjoyed fishing, visiting with family and helping others. He always maintained a positive attitude even when he was battling lung/brain cancer.


Gene was blessed with two sons. In 1982, Gene and Paula Reed had Corey Lee Reed and in 1986, Gene and Wendy Kreitlow had Daniel Lucius Smith.


In 1995, Gene married Teri Florea. He adopted Teri’s daughter, Ashley K. Marie, in May 2002. They lived in Eagle Grove and Gene worked for Sadler Construction until getting hurt. They were divorced in 2007.


Gene was affiliated with the federal government, which took him to many states. He ended that affiliation on June 22, 2020, and moved to Humboldt, Iowa, battling cancer until his death. He was always appreciative of everything done for him to the end.


Gene is survived by his children Corey Reed of Humboldt, Daniel Smith of Fort Dodge, Ashley Smith of Ames, his grandson Daniel Smith, Jr., “DJ.”, his siblings Edward (Gail) Smith of Humboldt, Pat (Lynn) Barz of Dows, Bob (Melissa) Smith of Batesville, Arkansas, Janice Flurer of Clarion and Jim (Becky) Flurer of Clarion, sister-in-law Pam Smith of Clarion, brother-in-law, Alan Kniesly of Des Moines and several nieces and nephews.


Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rick, sister Deborah, and infant brother Steven. Also preceding him in death was his brother-in-law, Larry Nevitt, niece Allison Smith, and nephew Trent Smith.


Per his wishes, he has been cremated and will be buried next to his father at the Union Cemetery in Livermore, Iowa. www.masonlindhart.com