Darrell E. Smith, age 76 of Salem, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at his home.
Darrell was born on July 26, 1948, the son of Delburn and Vera (Tate) Smith. He married Kay (Speaks) Smith on May 27, 1978, at Harvey’s Point Christian Church in Kell, and she survives in Salem.
In addition to his wife, Kay of Salem, he is survived by his mother, Vera Rompasky of Salem; four daughters, Gina Pate and partner Dwayne Hunter of Odin, Angie Pond of Salem, Lynn Shuler and husband Willie of North Carolina, and Lori Decker and husband Anthony of Iuka; 11 grandchildren, Brandon Pate, Dustin Pate, James Hodge Jr., Reese Powell, Brock Powell, Ashton Powell, Mahalah Powell, Olivia Shuler, Victoria Shuler, Isabella Decker and Sophia Decker; 19 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Tricia Holmes, Terrie Eubanks, Linda Phillips, and Rodney Decker.
He was preceded in death by his father and a granddaughter, Megan Pate.
Darrell was installed in Ainad Shriners on May 19, 1979, and spent 46 years as a Shriner. Shortly thereafter, he became an Ainad aide to the Potentate; he most recently became an aide emeritus. He joined the Salem Shrine Club, where he was a member for 40-plus years, he was a two-time Salem Shrine Club past President. He was a member of the Jefferson County Shrine Club since 2002, belonging for 23 years, and was a former club President there. He was chairman of the Salem Shrine Club cookouts, including those at IGA and the Ainad Shriners bass fishing tournaments. He was very proud of the numerous children he sent to Shriners Hospital for services. He was a 46-year member of the Salem Masonic Lodge 130 and a two-time past master. He was a 45-year member of the Scottish Rite, earning the Meritorious Service Award, and a 45-year member of the York Rite. Darrell was also a lifetime member of both the Salem Elks and Sons of the American Legion. He had retired from Beckmann Trucking in Beckemeyer.
Funeral Services for Darrell E. Smith will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Danny Shuler officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Masonic Rites and a Shriners walk-through will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Louis Shriners Children’s Hospital and can be received at Crouse Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
