Jack L Smith

Jack L. Smith, age 74, resident of Grove, Oklahoma, passed away on March 26, 2025. He was born on January 24, 1951, in Pawnee, Oklahoma Jack spent his early life in the Tulsa area, moving with his family to Kansas City, and then settling near Chicago, Illinois. He attended Rich East High School in Park Forest, Illinois prior to enlisting in the United States Army at the tender age of 17. His military service from 1968 to 1971 included tours first in Germany and then to South Vietnam in the summer of 1969, during the Vietnam war, showcasing his dedication and bravery. His experiences during the war triggered lifelong troubling memories as well as numerous, and many times repeated, war stories. Professionally, Jack was a jack-of-all-trades. His career spanned several fields, from being a skilled mechanic working on and restoring cars, to serving as a local firefighter and then on to serve the area as a police officer for several years. He later found his calling as an over-the-road truck driver, traveling extensively across the United States for many years before his retirement. He delighted his grandchildren by taking them for rides in his ‘semi’ and allowing them to ‘drive’, a memory of their times with ‘Papaw’ they still treasure. A man of deep faith, Jack was a devout Christian who attended seminary and faithfully studied the bible after his military service. His hobbies were as diverse as his career, not only working on cars and riding motorcycles, but in quieter times watching movies and reading sci-fi and western books as well as his bible. He enjoyed listening to old-time rock and roll music and, before his health declined, he loved hitting the dance floor with some fancy two-stepping. He also had a passion for collecting guns and knives. Most of all, Jack loved spending time with his family, whom he adored immensely. Jack's outgoing and generous nature left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Known for his humor and quick comebacks, he was also caring, loving, and always eager to lend a helping hand or tell a captivating story. Many of his stories, frequently exaggerated for humor or impact, were a source of entertainment and awe to his listeners. Jack was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Betty and William E. George, brother Stephen Smith and stepson Jackie Cooper. Left to cherish his memory, his stepdaughter and daily caregiver Michelle Martin, stepson Michael Marshall; three daughters Patricia, Michelle and Christina; three brothers John, Jeff and Roger; as well as a host of adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family, as well as many friends and acquaintances. He will be greatly missed by all. Memorial services for Jack will take place at 11 am on Saturday, April 26, 2026 at Nichols-Stephens Chapel. Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services in Grove, Oklahoma, is assisting the family during this difficult time. Jack's legacy of love, service, and spirited storytelling will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.

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Jack L Smith

January 24, 1951 - March 26, 2025