Oren "Junior" Zelus Smith Jr.

Oren “Junior” Zelus Smith, Jr., 84, of Odessa, Missouri passed away April 22, 2018 at his home.

Funeral service will be Friday, April 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 224 W. Dryden Street, Odessa, MO. Visitation will be Thursday, April 26, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Odessa Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church or Special Olympics. Condolences for the family and memories of Junior may be left at www.ralphojones.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd Street, Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.

Junior was born January 23, 1934 in Odessa to Oren Zelus Smith, Sr. and Nellie (Floyd) Smith. He graduated in 1952 from Odessa High School. Junior married Essie Pearl Smith (later divorced). He served in the United States Army until his honorable discharged on April 30, 1962. Junior worked for the Social Security Administration and later retired from the United States Corps of Engineers after 30 plus years of service. He was a member the Warrensburg American Legion Post 131. He also served as a Deacon, Elder and Sunday School Superintendent for the First Christian Church, Odessa. Junior was known for his kind heart and sense of humor. In addition to spending time with his family and friends, Junior loved to go dancing.

Junior is survived by his children, Randy Smith and wife Melinda of Odessa, Lisa Hickman and husband Steven of Independence, Rodney Smith and Amber Nelson of Odessa and Catherine (Kitty) Barham of Independence; brothers, Elmer Smith and wife Leanna of Azusa, California , Joseph Smith of Odessa, Leslie Smith of Independence and Terry Smith and wife Connie of Independence; nine grandchildren, Cory Smith, Christopher Smith, Jacqueline Smith, Steven Hickman, Jennifer Okerstrom, Kirby Smith, Emily Kerns, Andrea Butler and Bailey Barham and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.