Obituary
Monte Arthur Smith, 72, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on August 19, 2019 at home. Funeral Services will be held at Lakeland Community Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 7:00pm. Visitation will be from 6:30-7:00pm at the church. Burial will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2019 in Osceola, Iowa at 1:00 pm in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Disabled Veterans or Wounded Warrior Project.
Monte was born in Iowa City, Iowa on October 5, 1946. He was an employee of Centranz Inc. in Buckner, Missouri where he worked for a life-long friend, Ellis Gorden.
Monte’s passions in life were flying airplanes, riding his motorcycle, and driving his Cobra. He loved to travel, spend time with friends, and celebrate life’s little things. A man of few words at times, yet always offering truthful counsel when asked for it. A loving husband, a wonderful father to two fur babies, Harry and Truman. He was a dear friend to many.
Monte was a student of Graceland College, then drafted into the Army where he remained on active duty for 3 years in the US Army serving in Vietnam and Germany. Monte attended Wentworth Military School for 2 years prior to his service.
Monte was a private pilot, a flight instructor, and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He was a member of the Mitchell Flying Club and the Kansas City Cobra Club.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wendall Arthur Smith. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Konomos; his mother, Elleen Eddy Wheatley; his stepson Toby Konomos; son-in-law, Todd McClung; four step grandchildren, Chase, Erin, Brett Konomos, Jack McClung; and two fur babies, Harry and Truman.
Monte was more than my flight instructor, he was my good friend. We had so many things in common. Like myself, he was in the Army and a Combat Engineer, and stationed in Germany, but 20 years difference. Besides his passion for flying, we loved going to the shooting range and have a “pay for lunch” competitions. And he won most of them. His love for Cindy was unmatched. He was also attached to his dog Harry. I am going to miss him very much. I love you Monte and I know I’ll see you one day in heaven.
I am greatly saddened by your loss. I pray you will be graced by comfort and peace. Monte was a childhood friend, especially to my brother, Roger, and I was privileged to renew our contact in later years. I remember he took time while at Wentworth to write a welcomed letter while I was stationed in East Africa. Please contact me if you would like copies of old photographs of him with Roger. I remember that once they secretly bought a horse together and rented pasture although I don’t remember why the secrecy.
With heavy heart’s ❤️ We morn the loss of our friend but celebrate his life and pray for his soul ? Monty brought so much laughter and joy to us all.
Monte was a true gentleman. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched either as a friend, a flight instructor or just a fellow human being traveling life’s road.
I’m so sorry to hear about Monty’s passing. I was just talking about what a coincidence it was that we met again in Mexico. I very much appreciated talking and reminiscing about grade school with him.
I’M SO SORRY ABOUT MONTE. HE WAS SPECIAL IN EVERY SINCE OF THE WORD. I WAS A SCHOOL MATE OF HIS IN LAMONI. MONTE WAS ALWAYS KIND, SOFT SPOKEN, AND CARING. I KNOW HE IS UP THERE HAVING A GOOD VISIT WITH SAM AND PAM. I KNOW GOD HOLDS YOU ALL IN HIS ARMS. HELLO TO MONTE’S MOM. I REMEMBER HER WHEN SHE WORKED AT THE BANK IN LAMONI. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
“Monte Montana”…our dearest friend and good buddy. We all had some great times together, tons of laughs and even a few cries. But one thing is for sure, there will never be anyone like you. Talented, witty, loyal, soft-hearted. An excellent pilot and flight instructor. Know that we loved you and will miss you enormously. You will forever be in our hearts.
Sorry to his family and work family as well. I know I can speak for all of us at River Products Company in Iowa City as he was first class. I only know Monte for the last 8 years through work but enjoyed talking to him , our long time employees that knew Monte for several years spoke highly of him as well.
I am a Lamon I girl and 5 years older than Ellis and Monty. I have known him since he was in grade school and always liked his pets and intelligence. I will miss you Monty!!!!