Lester Smith, 67 of Peculiar, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020 at his home in Peculiar. Funeral services will be held 12:00 pm Monday, January 20, 2020 at the Drexel First Christian Church in Drexel, Missouri. A visitation will be held prior to the service Monday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, also at the church. Burial will follow services in Glenwild Cemetery, Cleveland, Missouri. Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (660-679-0009). Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or KU Cancer Center Westwood. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com Lester Ray Smith, our Paw Paw, born September 22, 1952, left to join the heavenly party, on his terms, peacefully, at his home January 16, 2020. In his 67 years of life our Paw Paw saw, did, and lived big. A loving child to Dave and Lucille Metcalfe Willhoite. He served his country with the US Navy for 1.5 years, fighting in the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he continued his civil service being appointed as a Drexel, Missouri police officer. After such, moving on to his most treacherous career role as a Wal-Mart Company Employee. He retired after 30 years as a Sam’s Club Manager. Early in his career he would, at work, meet and fall madly in love with the one and only Susie. They were married, two weeks after meeting, on December 12, 1986. They have held strong for all 33 years. In Lester’s eyes, Susie was the “Ying to his Yang”. She could do no wrong. Their love was on of fire and grit. He loved her like he could no other. To Susie, our Paw Paw was her “one man fan club”. Everyday together, he continued to look at her through those rose colored glasses. Being her relentless supporter regardless how off the wall her ideas had become. Susie reciprocated, her admiration for Lester by advocating her mantra, “if it’s not the man you have, kick them down the road until you find him.” Oh, but much would happen in those 33 years. Lester’s son Shane Smith, who’s living a strong life of love with Shannon, is father to Blake and Aiden. Shane’s little no nonsense sister, Deana, has built a beautiful family with Brad. Challenged on the daily by son Braden. Who is twice as tall as the both of them. And little miss Addy, who can move twice as fast as both. Daughter Michelle, who may have brought on Lester’s first heart attack by being woke up in the middle of the night (four weeks after marring Susie) to kick a boy out of the house in his skivvies, who had snuck in her room. And I quote, “Boy, it’s about time for you to be leaving!” Michelle’s two sons, Blake and Brocc may carry on that tradition. Daughter Christina, with her boys Austin, who dumped Paw Paw out of the John Deere lawn mower caddy while being taught to drive (Lester landed unscathed, cigarette in hand) and Ryder, who’s love of Nascar came from many of race days shadowing Paw Paw in his “Man Cave”. Oh yes, and Christina, who continues to kick all kinds of “it” down the road at her Mother’s advice. Lester’s passions were around his family, the Kansas City Chiefs, Nascar, and riding Harleys. The memories he made with his brothers Davy and Billy, sisters Jeannie and Beverly, and the brother from another mother, Rob Lightner, were vast. A few to include; Talladega, The Dayton, Dayton Bike Week, and many parties at the Barn. All of these experiences and much more (let’s not get going on the annual Luaus in Florida) are examples of Lester living life big, and that’s what our Paw Paw encompassed. Lester touched many lives with his family and Sam’s family associates. To our Paw Paw, we love you and saw you through to your end. We’re asking you to watch over us until we reunite with you at our end. We love and adore you, our Paw Paw. Lester was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, Dave and Lucille Willhoite and Bill Smith, and brother-in-law Jack Weatherman. He is survived by his wife of 33 years Susie Smith, his children, Chrissy Mathieu, Michelle Barker, Deana Pereira and husband Brad, and Shane Smith and wife Shannon, grandchildren, Austin, Ryder, Brocc, Blake, Brayden, Addy, Blake, and Aiden. He is also survived by his brother Davy Willhoite and wife Stacy, sister Jeannie Weatherman, brother Billy Smith and wife Amanda, and sister Beverly Smith and husband Justin, sisters-in-law Joy Ewing, and Pam Lake and husband Larry, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.