January 04, 2025
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Ernest Smithson

1956-2019

Ernest Smithson (Contributed photo)

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Ernest Smithson, 62, of Independence, Mo., formerly of Ottawa, passed away Friday, Jan. 11, surrounded by his loving family, after a two-year battle with cancer.

He was born Feb. 1, 1956, to Jane and Ernest Smithson Sr. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1974 and Western Illinois University in 1979 with a degree in criminal justice. He married Vickie Van Meter in November 1979.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie; sons, Andrew (Kristin) Smithson and Aaron (Ashley) Smithson; daughter, Amelia Smithson; grandchildren, Oliver and Eli Smithson, Vera Smithson and baby boy Smithson, arriving in May, all of Independence; his mother, Jane Smithson, of La Salle; sister, Deborah (Daniel) Puetz, of Peru; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He began his career at Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City in the juvenile division in 1980, changing young lives for the better.

Although he moved to Missouri, the land of Royals and Chiefs, Ernie remained a Chicago team fan, continuing to cheer for his Cubbies and Bears.

Private services were Monday, Jan. 14. Memorial service is being planned for a later date.