Clarkton ~ Paul Smith, 85 of Clarkton, Missouri, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022 at his residence in Clarkton, Missouri.

Paul, son of John and Virgie Ballard Smith, was born on Tuesday, June 16, 1936 in Kennett, Missouri.

He was owner and operator of Paul's Backhoe Service until his retirement in 1998 and was of the Baptist Faith.  He was a member of the Kennett Masonic Lodge #68-AF & AM, where he was a 50 year 32 ^nd degree mason.

On November 11, 1956 in Hernando, Mississippi, he was united in marriage to Charlotte June Sales.  She preceded him in death on January 4, 1998.

Other survivors include longtime companion, Audra Eakens of Clarkton; two daughters, Cindy Rickman and husband, Kenny of Kennett, Glenda Richardson and husband, Rick of Kennett; three grandchildren, Holly Mullen and husband, Keith of Paragould, Craig Rickman and wife, Jill of Kennett, Kacey Moody and Adam of West Plains; six great-grandchildren, Maddox Mullen, Kellan Mullen, Karsen Mullen, Lyndy Rickman, Max Mansfield, Jackson Mansfield and one sister, Wanda Binkley of Florissant; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers and five sisters.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., Monday, March 7, 2022 at Landess Funeral Chapel in Malden with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m., at the funeral home chapel with Reverend Jack Cole officiating. Burial will follow at Kennett Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Darren Smith, Scott Stoelting, Adam Mansfield, Craig Rickman, Keith Mullen and Mike Maddox.

Landess Funeral Home of Malden will be in charge of the arrangements.