Ivil E. Smith

Ivil Eugene Smith, son of the late Albert Phillip and Bessie (McCarty) Smith, was born on August 18, 1922 in Hebron, Missouri and passed away on December 19, 2014 in Manor Care in Springfield, Missouri at 92 years of age.

Ivil grew up and went to school in the Vanzant community. His family moved to Ava, Missouri when he was a teenager. His dad invented the Ava Saw, which was a precursor to the chain saw, and Ivil helped him build it. The saw was aired on Pawn Stars, a reality show on the History channel.

Ivil married Lola H. Clark in 1948. Two sons were born to this union.

Ivil lived most of his adult life in Vanzant and then later moved to Mountain Grove. He spent many years drilling wells, hauling logs, and doing mechanic work. Later in life, he spent time doing small engine repairs.

He greatly enjoyed his Velvet tobacco. He also enjoyed telling his many stories to friends and neighbors.

Besides his parents, Ivil was preceded in death by his wife, Lola, and by six siblings: Hazel, Ina, Roy, Mary, Betty, and Darrell.

He is survived by two sons: Phil Smith of Bruner, Missouri, and Harley Van Smith of Columbia, Missouri; one brother: Clovis Smith of Springfield, Missouri; one sister: Carol Mayfield of Mountain Grove; and many other friends and neighbors who will miss him greatly.


Visitation: Monday, December 22, 2014 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the Chapel.

Graveside Service: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM in the Lone Star Cemetery, Mtn. Grove.

Burial: Lone Star Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions: Cerebral Palsy Research c/o the funeral home.