Smith, Curtis “C.A.” February 7, 1939 - January 21, 2023

Curtis Albert “CA” Smith was born February 7, 1939 to Curtis and Lois (Worthington) Smith on the coldest day of the year on their family farm in Collins, MO. He was the oldest of two sons. Family and farming meant everything to CA from the beginning years and throughout his life.

CA graduated from Collins High School in 1957 with a class of 10 students. During his school years he enjoyed playing the trumpet. CA also had a passion for sports. He played basketball on a dirt floor outside because the school didn’t have a gymnasium yet. He also loved fastpitch softball where he played shortstop and second base. He never won a basketball game, but he never lost a fast pitch softball game. He also developed a high school sweetheart, Peggy Durrett.

Peggy and CA met at a ballgame in El Dorado Springs. They eloped on November 1, 1958 in Miami, OK. They had three sons together,  Leland, Randy and Mark Smith. During their early marriage, CA operated the Phillips 66 filling station and bought the drive-in restaurant, “Boyd’s Drive-In,” for Peggy to run. Here they served a total of five menu items. One of those items were the stolen watermelons Leland and Randy always brought them. CA finally caught on to what the boys were doing. CA later built Peggy’s Restaurant and sold it in 1979.

CA also farmed with his dad, Curtis, and his brother, Jim. Shortly after he married, CA bought the family farm from his Grandpa Worthington. Ten of those acres included a “You Pick” strawberry farm. The berry farm was incorporated into the name and logo of their business. Smith’s Restaurant and Berry Farm began in 1988.

CA liked what Peggy liked, and Peggy liked what CA liked. Together they collected antiques for years and would take off on the weekends to go antiquing. That started their love for classic cars. CA enjoyed car shows of all sizes. He attended many with his boys and family, as well as auctions to buy and sell. He was awarded some of the most prestigious awards for his cars.  After years of collecting, they opened Toys In The Attic, Too. CA also enjoyed fishing, traveling, golfing, car shows, attending gun shows with their friends, Bill Sisney and Tom Gladden, and spending time with his grandkids.

Besides his love for family and farming, CA also loved the Lord. He was a long time member of the Collins Christian Church and was baptized by his friend and preacher, Gary Strickland. He enjoyed hosting the church congregation at the restaurant after a Sunday service. He was happiest when his people were fed.

CA had a passion for many things, some more ornery than others. He enjoyed noodling catfish with Peggy and his boys on the Sac River. CA passed on his love of cars, farming, hunting & fishing and antiquing to his sons. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He was an avid supporter of law enforcement and veterans. He told the best stories and was known as the Collins historian. His favorite spot to tell his stories was at the round table with all his buddies. He loved to feed people and give away free meals. He was one of the most generous people by nature. He was so proud of his boys and what they accomplished in life.

He went to be with the Lord in the early morning of Saturday, January 21, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Lois Smith, two grandchildren, Cali and Canyun Smith, and his son Mark Smith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Peggy Smith of Collins, MO, brother, James E. Smith and wife Tamie Smith of Clinton, sons Leland Smith and wife Gayla of Collins, MO, Randy Smith and wife Beverly of Collins, MO, daughter-in-law Angie Smith of Bolivar, MO, grandchildren, Caleb Smith and fiancé Jessica Nunn, great-grandchildren Kreeden, Luci and Lilah of Springfield, MO, Jordan and Timothy Townsend, great grandchildren Ainsley, Easton and Axton of Clinton, MO, Haley and Timothy Lopez, great grandchild Aysa Republic, MO, Shae, Easton and River Smith (Bolivar)  as well as many other relatives and friends.