Gary Lewis Smith, age 84 of Middletown, passed away on January 3, 2026 at University of Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa city, Iowa. Gary was born on December 3, 1941 to John Serenes Smith and Eva Mae Smith Chelf in Muscatine, Iowa.
Gary and Angela Kay Hill were united in marriage, November 5, 1983.
Gary served in the US Navy as a Radioman from 1961 to 1965 during the Vietnam War. He started and opened the Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor in Burlington from 1976 -1981.
He was employed at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for 38 years and retired in 2018 from the US Army as a Quality Assurance Specialist.
He is survived by his wife, Angela, son Brian Lewis Smith (Leann Dahn); daughters, Valery Lynn Smith, and Natalie Dawn Smith-Bartenhagen (Jeff); step daughter, Melissa Hofmann.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Chelf and his in-laws Dwight and Shirley Hill.
Gary was an avid runner, having ran five marathons and 30 Bix 7 road races.
Gary received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Iowa in 1970, and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Saint Ambrose University in 1988.
His family has established a memorial in his honor for the annual KCPS Wreaths Across America for the deceased veterans in the Des Moines County cemeteries during the 2026 winter season.
The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will render military rites at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 9th at Lunning Chapel. A celebration of life visitation will follow until 5:00 p.m.
According to his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel. Burial will be held at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com