William C. “Bill” Smola

William C. “Bill” Smola, 81, of Monroe City, Mo, passed away at  10:34 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mexico, Mo.

Bill was born April 26, 1939, in Collinsville, Ill., to William J. (Wenceslaus) Smola and Florence M. (Frank) Smola. He was married to Marilyn Stratton on June 26, 1965 at the First Assembly of God Church in Palmyra, Mo. She preceded him in death on Aug. 26, 2005.

Survivors include three children, Kim Jones (Jeff), Palmyra; Brent Smola (Lisa), Hannibal, Mo.; and Mariann Walotka (Stephen), Palmyra; and one sister, Mary Nauert (Don).

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Chesney Penster (William), Garrett Goellner (Erika), Brandon Jones (Mary), Katelyn Jones, Breanna Walotka, Jonathan Sutton (Marci), Rachael DeRossi and Benjamin Sutton (Jessica); nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three sisters, Florence Smola, Wilma Doelling and Dorothy Smola; and one brother, Frank Smola.

Bill was a United States Army veteran. He served his country proudly during the Korean War.

Professionally Bill worked as a diesel mechanic. 

He loved muscle cars and enjoyed building things.  He also liked watching western movies, especially ones with John Wayne in them.

Bill was an avid reader of muscle car magazines and western novels.

Graveside services and burial with full military honors will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov.17, at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Jacksonville, Mo.

Friends and family are invited to Bill’s life celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.

Memorials may be made to Monroe City Nutrition Center.

Online condolences may be shared at www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.