John Robert Smith

John Robert Smith, age 82, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 10, 2026.

John was born September 24, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Charles and Alice Smith. John loved teaching and most recently taught math at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and after retirement was a substitute teacher in Des Moines, Iowa. He was most passionate about teaching Sunday school. John was a member of Crossroads Church in Grimes. He was an avid model train collector. He loved shopping and spent hours looking for bargains.

John is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Patricia; daughters, Heather Duffey, Charity Guyot, and Carmody (Trent) Powell; step-sons, Jason (Sara) Van Arkel, Ryan (Rebecca) Van Arkel, Logan (Marcia) Van Arkel; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Gibson Smith and Alice Henretta Smith; brothers, Larry and Tom; and daughter, Shannon.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Family will greet guests one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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