Thomas Jefferson Smith

Thomas Jefferson Smith, 93, of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away Monday, September 11, 2023 in Oklahoma City.

He was born August 26, 1930 to John and Ella (Goodrum) Smith in Caruthersville, Missouri.

Earned his associate degree.

He married Barbara Ann Phifer on July 3, 1972 in Carthage, Missouri.  She preceded him in death on August 14, 2022.

Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp. from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean War and was honorably discharged.

He worked for several years as an overland truck driver for Leeway Motor Freight in Oklahoma City.

Thomas was a member of Masonic Lodge #69 in Tecumseh, Disable American Vets, V.F.W. and Marine Corp. Legion.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Smith; parents, John and Ella Smith; and daughter, Violet Ruth Dwyer, and four of his siblings.

He is survived by son; James Edward "Jim" and Judy Smith of Sullivan, MO, daughter; Paula and Jeff Foust of Blue Springs, MO, son; Tommy Ray and Darlene Smith of Kansas City, MO, son; Terry and Lisa Smith of Shawnee, son; Bryan Smith of Savage, MT, daughter; Deborah Ann Smith of Vashon, WA, and daughter; Patricia Ann & Chet Blackburn of Raytown, MO; 26 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 5 great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Cooper Funeral Home and continue through service time.  Service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 18, 2023 at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee, OK under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh. Please join the celebration of Thomas’s life through Cooper Funeral Home’s Facebook page for live streaming of the service.