06/04/2026
Chester Lloyd Smith, age 83, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday morning, May 30, 2026, at National Health Care Center in Joplin, Missouri. He was born on September 5, 1942, in Exeter, Missouri, to the union of the late Earl and Lily Maud (Painter) Smith.
Lloyd was a lifelong resident of Joplin and a 1960 graduate of Joplin High School. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, carrying out his duties with honor and a strong sense of responsibility. While on a respite from the Army, Lloyd married LaJean Whitlock on July 5, 1967. After his honorable discharge, he returned home to Joplin and began his career in construction, where he found both purpose and pride in honest labor. He was a member of Carpenters Local Union #311 since 1961, a connection that reflected his long commitment to his trade.
He was employed for more than thirty years with G&G Construction, retiring in 2004. Lloyd took great pride in his work and was known for his steady presence and strong work ethic. He felt very fortunate to have the same occupation as Jesus, a sentiment that reflected the humility and meaning he found in building and serving with his hands. His life’s work was not only a livelihood, but also a reflection of the values he carried throughout his years. For many years he attended Central Christian Center in Joplin and most recently The Sheep Shed near Neosho. In his personal life, Chester enjoyed fishing and playing Bingo with his beloved wife, LaJean. These simple pleasures brought him joy and created cherished memories that remained close to his heart.
Chester is survived by his three children, Jeanie Gorham and her husband, Gerald, of Gadsden, Alabama, Mel Smith of Gadsden, and Carrie Ann Wakefield and her husband, Roy, of Joplin, Missouri. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and he was awaiting the arrival of Nolan and Hazlee. In addition, he is survived by a host of other family members and friends who will remember him with love and gratitude.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lily Maud Smith; his wife, LaJean Smith, on June 13, 2008; a great-granddaughter, Rozlyn Greene; and his twin brother, Lester Floyd “Smitty” Smith.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026 at Central Christian Center in Joplin, Missouri with Doug Wilkerson officiating. A graveside services will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, Missouri with full military honors. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Blake Bock, Kyle McGuire, Greg Smith, Colton Smith, Brayden Reed and Brittany Reed. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to the Rozzy Foundation (visit www.therozzy.com for information and donation). Arrangements are under the care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.
