Keith James Smith

FARMINGTON Keith James Smith, of Farmington, entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2022, at the age of 84. He was born on March 16, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to the late James S. and Evelyn (Eilers) Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Neal Smith. Keith is survived by his loving wife of 62 Years, Virginia Leigh (Garrison) Smith whom he married on July 3, 1959, his children, Kent James Smith of Farmington and Debra Leigh Ferarri of Cooperstown, New York, his grandchildren, Hunter Leigh Smith, Sydney Nicole Smith, and Emily Garrison Ferarri, and a host of many friends. Keith graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a PhD in Animal Nutrition. Following a teaching position at Iowa State, he proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force where he was in charge of a research program to determine the nutritional adequacy of diets used in the Gemini Apollo space missions. Keith was a longtime key researcher in the soybean industry. His career included the National Cottonseed Products Association and the American Soybean Association. After semi-retiring in 1997, he continued to work with state soybean associations and the North Central Soybean Research Program to provide technical assistance to soybean research programs. He received several national awards for his service to the soybean industry. Keith was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church and several special interest organizations. Over the years, he accumulated world-class collections of agates, petrified wood, and IA/MO geodes. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 3:00pm at Memorial United Methodist Church, 425 North Street, Farmington, MO. A fellowship for family and friends will follow at the church immediately after the service. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church or the St. Louis Zoo Foundation, P.O. Box 790090, St. Louis MO 63179. Share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Memorial Service Memorial United Methodist Church Saturday, April 30, 2022 3:00 PM 425 North Street Farmington, MO 63640