DEXTER -- James Luther Smith, 71, of Dexter died Sunday, Aug. 24, 1997, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 4, 1926, at Steele, son of John Thomas and Ella Elizabeth Copeland Smith. He and Geneva Deloris Alsup were married Sept. 23, 1944, at Blytheville, Ark. She died Nov. 19, 1982.

Smith had lived at Dexter since 1977. He retired from Caterpillar in East Peoria, Ill. Smith was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include a son, Shaun Smith of Bloomfield; a daughter, Glenda Hale of Chillicothe, Ill.; a brother, Ireland Smith of Midway, Ark.; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a son, four brothers, and a sister.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Stan Dauck officiating. Burial will be in Hagy Cemetery at Dexter.