Herschel Lloyd Smotherman was born Oct. 10, 1915, in Shannon County, Mo., the son of Amos and Jessie Laveda (Brake) Smotherman. He departed this life on May 26, 2009, in St. John's St. Francis Hospital at the age of 93. Herschel was united in marriage to Ella Amanda Pierce on Jan. 12, 1942. To this union, two daughters were born, Margie Kaye and Violet Faye. Herschel worked in the timber industry for many years; in CCC camps, cutting pine poles, and at Missouri Hardwood Flooring. He later drove a school bus for the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District. He was often seen on his tractor, bushhogging or plowing gardens. He enjoyed sitting on the dock at the MFA Exchange, visiting with friends. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially if that included a good card game. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. Herschel was a member of First Baptist Church of Birch Tree. Preceding him in death were his parents; five sisters, Opal Thurman, Beulah Jones, Dessie Allen, Wilma Miller and Virginia Miller; and one brother, Dwain Smotherman. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ella; two daughters, Margie Howell and husband, Eddie, of Birch Tree and Violet Martin and husband, Paul, of Mountain Home, Ark.; two sisters, Edith Asplin of Mountain View, and Lola Rosenbum of West Plains; four grandchildren, Carla Yarber, Greg Howell, Brad Martin and Jessi Johnson; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held Friday, May 29, 2009, in Yarber Chapel with Tracy Layman officiating. Interment was in Corinth Cemetery, Birch Tree, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Mo.

Howell County News, June 3, 2009