Smith, Amos Benton

of Commerce died Thursday, Jun 14, 2001, at Eastwood Manor Nursing Center of Commerce after an illness. He was 87. Mr. Smith was born Oct. 24, 1913, in Commerce to Thomas Riley Smith and Lizzie Voltz Smith. He had lived in Commerce all of his life. He worked for Eagle Picher for several years and the northern District of Ottawa County on the pump crew and as a truck driver. He was a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church and was a Navy veteran, serving in World War II. He married Freda Qualls in May of 1951 in Cardin. She survives. Also surviving are two stepsons, Orville Qualls of Commerce and Dale Qualls of Riverton Kansas; two sisters, Leona Hibbs of Jenks Oklahoma, and Mary Rardin of Petaluna California; one brother, Merle Smith of Miami; five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A brother and sister preceded him in death. A graveside service for Smith is Monday at 2 p.m. in the G.A.R. cemetery of Miami. The Rev. Jerry VonMoss will officiate. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Paul Thomas Funeral Home.