| Graduation Year | Class of 1964 |
| Date of Birth | Jul 04, 1964 |
| Date of Passing | Oct 09, 2024 |
| About | Stephen Albert Smyth, 78, of New London, died Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines. Stephen was born July 4, 1946 in Burlington, IA. He was the son of Horace Frederick and Frances Cecila (Maddox) Smyth. He attended school in Lockridge and Fairfield. Stephen was called to the service of his country during the Vietnam War. He entered the United States Army on July 29, 1964 at Camp Dodge in Des Moines. He was stationed with the 33rd Battalion of the 7th US Army Division . He served as a mechanic in general vehicle repair, which also included tank retrieval and repair. He was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant on July 20, 1967 at Fort Hamilton, New York. On November 30, 1968 in Mt. Pleasant, Stephen was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Rich. The couple later divorced. On October 3, 1980 in Kahoka, MO, Steph was united in marriage to Linda Lou McDowell Starr. For 30 years, Stephen was an overhead crane operator for the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad yards in West Burlington. He liked to hunt and fish. He also enthusiastically collected eagle memorabilia and Budweiser steins and mugs. A man with a generous heart, Stephen was often the first to assist a friend in need, and the last to want any recognition of the help he offered. Those thankful for sharing in Stephen’s life include his wife of 44 years, Linda of New London; their children – John Smyth and wife Wende of Mt. Union, Michael Smyth and wife Beth of Mt. Pleasant, David Smyth of New London, Susie Carter and husband Dennis of New London, Robin Willey of Mt. Pleasant, Brett Starr (Sonya Brown) of Mt. Pleasant, Shaun Blythe and wife Tracy of Mt. Pleasant and Brittani Beeding and husband Daniel of Wapello, IA; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Rauscher of Mt. Pleasant, and sisters in law Agnes Smyth of Niles, IL and Gretchen Liechty of Mt. Pleasant. Stephen is also survived by his cat, Mimi. His parents, daughter Susan Starr, and brothers Paul, Daniel and John Smyth, precede Stephen in death. Per his request, there will be no public service. His family will gather later to celebrate his life. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. Burial will be at a later date in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the New London Trap Team. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com |
