Nelson Smith
Nelson Donald Smith of Wentzville, Missouri was born October 20, 1935, and passed to his Heavenly Home on August 8, 2022. Preceding Nelson in death are his parents, Clinton and Edna Hart (Laughlin) Smith, his brother Levi Ray Smith, and his beloved wife Janice L. (Boone) Smith.
Surviving Nelson are his beloved wife Sharon Carter Smith, sons Bruce D. Smith (wife Elaine), Rodney “Rod” W. Smith (wife Karen), six grandchildren including Ryan Smith, George Smith, Jennifer Smith, Brittany (Smith) Lalli, Lindsay Smith, and Amanda “Mandy” Moore. Nelson adored his six great-grandchildren Holden, Lucas, Liam, Natalie, Charlotte, and Adam.
Nelson was born in the home of his parents Clinton and Edna Smith outside the Missouri town of Frankenstein. The family moved to Chamois, Missouri, and then to a farm outside the town of Chamois. Nelson graduated from Chamois High School and attained his Associates degree from Southwest Baptist (College) University where he met his soon-to-be wife, Jan. He continued his studies at Harris Teacher’s College and attained his Master of Education degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Nelson married Janice L. Boone on August 18, 1956. In June 1957 their first son, Bruce, was born, followed in August 1958 by their second son, Rod. The family moved from St. Ann, Missouri to Bridgeton in 1967. Nelson and Jan moved to St. Charles in 1992, followed by a move to Wentzville in 2001. Starting in the 1990’s, Nelson and Jan became “snowbirds,” spending winters in a fifth-wheel camper in Casa Grande Arizona. He maintained this annual trek through 2020 with his wife Sharon after the passing of Jan in 2009 until failing health made the journey too difficult.
Nelson was passionate about the field of education. He taught in the Ritenour and Pattonville school districts, then served as an Elementary School Principal in Pattonville for Briar Crest, St. Ann, and Parkwood elementary schools. After Nelson retired from the education field in 1987, he continued to volunteer as a tutor and consultant in education.
Nelson’s commitment to Christianity was strong with membership at Euclid Baptist Church, Edmundson Road Baptist Church, Waypoint (FBC Harvester), and First Baptist Church of Lake St. Louis. His love of teaching extended to his church life. For many decades he was a Sunday morning Bible Study teacher, Deacon, choir member, and on numerous church committees. Nelson served with Gideons International and spent time on church-building mission trips.
Nelson was widely known for his sense of humor. He enjoyed small pranks and jokes, making humorous quips and comments, general clowning around, or having fun surprising people with his antics. Nelson brought smiles, laughter, and occasional light shock to everyone around him. He confided that in life he could stand to lose many things but prayed he would never lose his sense of humor. Even during his final days at The Clarendale of St. Peters, Nelson was known for his humor, his singing, and his antics.
A memorial and life celebration service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Lake St. Louis, 2230 Lake St. Louis Blvd. beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Nelson’s name.
He never lost the twinkle in his eyes. The joy within him shone through him. Wonderful person and friend.
He sounds like a wonderful man. Sorry for your loss❤️
Nelson was a great guy and a great Christian witness. He will be missed, until we see him again. We are praying for the family as they rejoice in his well spent life.
Nelson was the Sunday School teacher in the class we first attended at ERBC. We loved his wit and sense of humor. He was a wonderful Christian man.
I enjoyed working with Nelson at St Ann School. He was a very supportive principal.
As far as bosses go, we really lucked out at St. Ann Elementary. Nelson was an incredible principal and human being. He was fair with all, and always did the right thing. My fellow teachers and I knew we had a special situation. We were not just a faculty, we were a family. Years after St. Ann closed, we still kept in touch and laughed like crazy at our regular lunches – usually at Nelson’s jokes. I’m not sad that he’s gone, I’m happy that he was here and made a difference in so many lives – including mine.
He was a very supportive principal to the music department. When Nelson was having a challenging day, he would come to the
Music room and join in the class with the students to just chill for a few minutes and even singing along with us.
Knew Nelson as a principal at Parkwood. A kind and caring principal with a quick wit and kind smile. At that time, he was famous for the humorous poems he wrote to honor a multitude of events or occasions. Rest In Peace kind heat❣️
Nelson was a great role model for me as a young mixed black man. As a principal, a man, a father figure, a mentor and as a child of God Nelson was a walking example of Gods love, which he showed/treated me!
Uncle Nelson was my one and only uncle. My favorite “Unk.”
Rod and family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Mr. Smith will always be my first principal that I have cherished for his compassion for me as a crying kindergartner. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.