Clinton Neil Smith Obituary

On the afternoon of October 23rd, 2023 Clinton Neil Smith went peacefully to be with his Wife. At the time of his passing Neil resided at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell, Iowa.

Neil was born on December 25, 1926 to Harold and Carrie (Stevenson) Smith. He was raised on a farm in between Marion and Lucas counties where he also attended country school and later on Chariton High School.

Neil married the love of his life Donna Mae (Finch) on May 28th, 1961. In their 60 years of marriage, they devoted their hearts to their many nieces, nephews who adored them as a second set of parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and even great-great grandparents.

Neil enjoyed a successful career with the US Postal Service and retired as a mail carrier in November of 1990 after 26 years of service. Neil was an avid fan of farm sales in the area where he could often be spotted serving up his bid calling talents as an auctioneer. Neil also spent countless hours mowing Pin Oak Marsh and various county bike trails and parks for Lucas County Conservation. Neil and Donna enjoyed many years as members of the First United Methodist Church of Chariton where a memorial bench was dedicated by their family in honor of their service and their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Neil was a dedicated friend, husband, uncle, brother and son. In his later years, Neil took great care in looking after his mother daily. One of the passions he shared with his mother was his love for gardening, especially roses! You could always count on seeing Neil pruning away at the beautifully cultivated front lawn of their Curtis Ave home where he and Donna lived for many years.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dwight Smith, his brothers-in-law Charles Finch and Wesley Finch, and his nephews Chris Finch and Michael Smith. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Barbara Finch, Marilyn Finch and Janet Smith, nephews and nieces Elizabeth Finch, Tom and Wendy Finch-Levis, Jeff and Gina Finch, Ken and Jane Haines and Craig Finch. He is also survived by 18 great nieces and nephews and 9 great-great nieces and nephews.

Services for Neil will be held on Friday October 27, 2023 at 10:30 am at Fielding Funeral Home 227 S Grand St., Chariton, IA followed by burial services where he will be laid to rest at Chariton Cemetery. There will be a luncheon immediately following the burial at the First United Methodist Church 923 Roland Ave. Chariton, IA 50049. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church in Neil's honor.