Truman H Smith

Truman Smith, 82, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born in Sunshine, AR on the second of July 1942 to the late Arlie and Jennie (Smith) Smith. Truman married Ruth Brantly on June 3, 1961, in Hot Springs, AR Truman retired from Southeast Missouri State University after 30 years of service as an Associate Professor of History. He was an assistant to Coach Joe Uhls as his Pitching Coach and as a coach for the American Legion Program, the Babe Ruth City of Cape Girardeau League and as a Coach for the city softball leagues. He coached the church league basketball team for First Baptist Church in Cape for many years. When Truman wasn't busy teaching or coaching, he was planting. He planted roses all over the SEMO campus, he planted flowers, watered and nurtured the planters on the islands of the Terry Kitchen Junior High. He would volunteer at the Cape elementary schools planting things like cotton, popcorn and watermelons so children could learn where their food comes from. Truman spent hours maintaining the baseball and softball diamonds at the schools and helped to build the new diamond at Cape Central High School. He also volunteered at the Missouri Veterans Home filling the bird feeders so the residents could see the beautiful birds. One of Trumans favorite hobbies was fishing and he fished all over North America from Canada to Mexico and every state in between. Truman was a dedicated member of Mercy Hill Baptist Church in Jackson. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Survivors include his wife of 63 years Ruth a son Derrick Alan Smith and his wife Tanda of Cape, a daughter Becky Wichern and her husband David of Jackson, five grandchildren: Blake (Jacquie) Smith; Lexi (Cooper) Gordon; Megan (Kaleb) Ward; Sarah Wichern; Rachel (Ryan) Babcock. One great-grandchild Russ Gordon. He was preceded by eight brothers: Horace, Troy, Gerald, Lee, Stanley, Truett, Larry and Gary Smith. The visitation will be on Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau from 1 pm till service time at 4 pm. The funeral service will be at 4 pm at the funeral home with the Rev. Aaron Campbell officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Royal, AR at a later date. On line condolences can be made by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com