Obituary for Joseph C. Smith

Joseph C. Smith, 76, of Davenport, Iowa passed away at Mercy One Genesis Hospital in Davenport on Monday, December 9, 2024 due to complications from a massive stroke. His remains were cremated and returned to his family.  There was no funeral, but a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd, 12:00 – 3:00 PM at Keppy Hall on the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St. Davenport, IA.  Please join Joe’s family and friends remembering his extraordinary life by eating, laughing and telling Joe stories or just to celebrate Joe’s one-of-a-kind life.
 
Joe was born on September 24, 1948 in Hannibal, Missouri to the late Walter B. Smith and Dorothy Hayes-Smith (Dee as she was known to most).  Joe grew up in Davenport, and spent many summers on his grandparents Joe F. and Beatrice (Zimmerman)Hayes farm in rural Missouri where he learned many of the skills he used daily throughout his life. 

Joe attended Assumption High School and graduated from Davenport Central High School. He attended Palmer Junior College.  Joe served in the National Guard. He worked for the Bell Telephone Company, even with all of their corporate name changes for twenty-nine years until his retirement.  Joe was a hard worker and added to his list of skills over the years as a bartender, a carpet installer, an alarm system installer, a tall building window washer and a small business owner.  He was not one to sit still unless he was fishing. 

Joe was married to Mary (Straight) Oritz in 1973-1980 and had two daughters. He met the love of his life, Barbara Christine Howe, they were together for 40 years. Barbara preceded Joe in death in 2022, there was not a day that went by that he did not think about and miss his beloved “Barbie.”

Joe was the guy you went to when you needed help building or fixing anything. He was a master of all trades and would take on any task presented to him. He loved fishing, golfing and spending time with his family and friends. Joe was funny, kind and beloved by his family and his friends. His sense of humor was enjoyed by all.

Joe is survived by his two daughters Eryn Ramos (Jorge) of DeWitt, and Megan Nanninga of Muscatine; grandsons Devin Nanninga, Carter Nanninga and Dylan “DK” Ramos; his sisters Patricia Carthey (Jim Wiener) of Ohio and Lea Kauffman (Kenneth) of Pennsylvania; nephews and niece N. Brian Carthey, Kelly Rohrer(Bryan), Kenneth (Kit) Kauffman(Jennifer), Kristopher (KC) Kauffman(Stephanie); Five great nieces and one great nephew; and Joe’s extended family from his beautiful wife Barbara’s brothers and sisters Bruce(Camille), Jane, John(Sue) and Lexie(Tom), and many nieces and nephews.