A native of Ladonia, Texas, Joe Evan Smith was born to Henry and Edna Hendrix Smith in 1929, the baby of eight children. He grew up in small town Texas, with stories of swimming in the Sulphur River and playing football for the Ladonia Rattlers. He started his first Boy Scout Troop in Ladonia, TX in the late forties and remained close to several of his scouts for the rest of his life. In 1948 he married Frances Smith, his high school sweetheart, and together they moved to Mesquite to raise their family and build a business. They had three children, Bonnie, Susan and Jerry and became lifelong members of the First United Methodist Church where they enjoyed many deep, abiding friendships through the church and, particularly, the J. Hugh Dean Sunday School class. Joe was the first leader of Troop 108 in Mesquite, TX and enjoyed many years of campouts and hiking. His trips to Philmont Camp were highlights of his life, especially because he shared those trips with grandson, Josh, as well as his nephew, Buddy. In 1994 he built a scout house for the church and its scout troops, which is dedicated to him. Joe owned and operated the Joe E. Smith Plumbing Company, with Frances working the desk, for 55 years. He was an active member of the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors and enjoyed many convention trips with them. He served on various city of Mesquite Boards and was honored by the city and mayor for his 55 years of volunteer service. Joe E Smith will be remembered as a man true to his word, true to his family and true to his faith. He was a steadfast husband and father, caring for his wife, Frances, through the ordeal of Alzheimer's and always being a support to his children and many beloved nephews and nieces. In later years Joe was blessed by the love and devoted care of his companion, Patricia Gatlin. His family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Patricia and to her daughters, Regan, Lindy and Carrie who made Joe a part of their lives. He is survived by daughters Bonnie (Wayne Turner) and Susan (Rik Wehmeier) and son Jerry (Helen Smith), and by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The life of Joe Smith will be celebrated throughout our lives. You are invited to celebrate with us at the First Methodist Church on Thursday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m. for visitation and funeral service at 12:00.