Paul A. Smith

Paul Arnold Smith of St. Peters, MO passed peacefully from this life to his heavenly home on August 20, 2021 at the age of 86. He was at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born Jan. 1, 1935 in St. Louis, MO to Claude W. Smith and Fannie J.(Chambers) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings. Deloris Smith, David Smith (stillborn), Patty Bailey, Silas Smith and Burgess Smith. He is survived by one sister, Claudine Alexander, of Wentzville, MO and a host of nieces and nephews. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Nell (Kolwyck) Smith for almost 67 years and daughters, Debra K. Phillips of St. Peters, MO and Donna L. Fierge (John T.) of St. Charles, MO.

He loved his 6 grandchildren: Jerris Guseman (Nathan) of Bloomington IL, Heather Kaminski (Gerry) of Florissant, MO, Amber Sagona (Tim) of St. Peters, MO, Hannah Fierge of St. Charles MO, Jessica Lasky (Aaron) of St. Peters MO, and Austin Phillips of Wright City, MO. His love was expanded to include 10 great grandchildren: Bayleigh, Kenzie, Fergie, Andrew, Eli, Ella, Evan, Scarlett, Layla, and Cora.

In 1954 after a whirlwind romance he married the love of his life, Mary Nell Kolwyck, whose long brunette hair, flashing green eyes, and bright smile was an attraction he could not resist. The marriage took place at Whiteway Tabernacle (UPCI) in St. Louis, MO by Rev. Walter Guinn, a minister he admired and honored all his life. It was at this same church he received the gift of the Holy Ghost at age 12, as discovered in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, in the book of Acts.

He chose not to finish high school in order to go to work to help his family survive financially. He began working at Drug Package, Inc. in February of 1951 and remained there until he retired in December of 1998, as a lithographer. Since attending church was a high priority in his life, he was so thankful to have a job that did not require him to work on Sundays.

In 1958 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years in San Antonio, TX. During that time he was on “overseas orders” twice. He often told, with tears, how he was miraculously taken off those orders, after he prayed earnestly, to not be away from his newborn daughter, that was born during this time.

He had a six bypass heart surgery in 1994 and later three stents. In 2010, he had a stroke which partially paralyzed his right side and he could no longer play the trombone that was his passion for 60 years. Ultimately he died from heart and kidney failure.

He loved and adored his wife and was forever faithful to her and his children. He interacted with his grandchildren and great grandchildren on a regular basis and they have many fond memories of him. 

He enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, word searches, road trips, collecting classic model cars, visiting antique shops with friends, and waxing his cars when he was able. His greatest passion was faithfulness to church attendance, being a blessing financially and with his musical talent. He also served as a church board member and honorary board member for many years.

He was known as a gentle giant with a big heart and a beautiful smile. He was kind and generous and will be missed sorely by all who knew him. However, we are certain we will meet him again in that land where there are no more tears, nor sorrow.

I Corinthians 15:52: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

Visitation will be at Bethel Pentecostal Church, 305 Jungermann Rd., St. Peters, MO, 63376, on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00.

The funeral will be at the same location on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., with committal service immediately following at St. Charles Memorial Gardens, 3950 W. Clay St. (Cave Springs) St. Charles, MO.

Memorials may be made to: New Beginnings Adoption, 2164 Southridge Dr. Tupelo, MS 38801