Lonnie Smith

Lonnie Smith, 57, of Forsyth.

Celebration of life service for Lonnie Smith, 57, of Forsyth, will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Church 3:16 in Forsyth. Visitation will start at 10:00. Pastor Jeramie Henson is officiating. Burial will follow at the Wolf Cemetery, Protem. Mo. Arrangements are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel.

Lonnie went to be with his Lord on Thursday Feb. 15, 2024, from his home surrounded by his family. Lonnie Dave Smith was born August 8, 1966 in Albany, MO. His parents are Lawrence and Lois (Holmes) Smith. He grew up in the St. Joseph, MO area where he graduated from Central High School and furthered his education on a baseball scholarship at Steven F. Austin, in Texas. Lonnie then moved to the Branson area where he started his first business, Lonnie’s Downtown Apco in Branson. He met his soulmate Melanie Brown where they were united in marriage on Dec. 14, 1991, in Forsyth. They had celebrated thirty-two years together this past winter. Lonnie and Melanie were blessed with two children, Cammy and Tanner.

Lonnie eventually closed the gas station and became an auto mechanics teacher at Gibson Tech in Reeds Spring. He always loved telling stories of his students and made some lifelong friends with many of them. While teaching there he opened The Kar Lot at Grady’s Tire in Taneyville. Every day after teaching he would go work a few hours at The Kar Lot. Lonnie’s true passion was selling cars. He decided to end his teaching career and take the risk to move The Kar Lot to a little house in the middle of Forsyth. He worked many tireless hours and had many hard times, but he never gave up. Eventually he built it into a business that he was extremely proud of. Lonnie’s story is one of dedication, love, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.

He was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was his role as “Boom Boom” (grandpa). He loved nothing more than spending his time with his grandkids. Lonnie loved sports. He coached both kids in softball and baseball and loved every minute of it. Watching football and baseball, especially his Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Braves, was one of his favorite pastimes. He enjoyed hunting, camping, cooking, square body trucks, collecting baseball cards, and enjoying the company of his friends at The Kar Lot sharing countless stories and laughs. Lonnie was a great friend who was selfless and always willing to help others within the community.

He was preceded in death by his sister Velina Kay Whitsell and father-in-law Charley Allen Brown.

Lonnie is survived by his loving wife Melanie Smith of the home; his son Tanner Smith of Forsyth, daughter Cammy Cook (Jess) of Taneyville, four grandchildren Cora, Ella, Tate, and Kase; his parents Larry and Lois Smith; mother-in-law Carolyn Brown, sister-in-law Melinda Burkhart (Daniel), brother-in-law Bruce Whitsell, sister Julie Hummer (Mike), and many loved nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by a host of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his beloved granddaughter, Ella, diagnosed with KCNQ2 Epilepsy, whom he’s spent the last 5 years fighting for. Ella Cook PO Box 743 Forsyth, MO 65653.