Brian James Smith, 67, of Hedrick died at 11:35 a.m. April 27, 2025 at Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
He was born July 11, 1957 in Ottumwa to R. Wayne and Ruth A. Ward Smith. Brian married Brenda Cline on October 15, 1977 and they later divorced.
A 1976 graduate of Pekin High School, Brian started helping on the farm at a young age. He started Smith Tiling & Backhoe with his father and operated the business for 45 years.
Brian enjoyed watching his daughter play softball and his grandsons play baseball. He loved being outside and especially digging in the dirt.
Surviving is his daughter, Brandi (Joe) Bishop of Bondurant; two grandsons, Braxton Haynes and Brison Haynes; two step-granddaughters, Samantha Bishop and Annalyn Bishop; siblings, Randy Smith of Hedrick, Craig Smith of Ottumwa, Lynn Ann Clark Crouse of Knoxville and Todd (Alison) Smith of Westlake, TX; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Corey Smith; and brothers-in-law, Warren Clark and Mike Crouse.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3rd, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Sunday, May 4th, at Reece Funeral Home with Larry Smith officiating. Burial will be in Deuser Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
