Wyatt Smith

Thursday, April 1, 2004

SIKESTON - Wyatt Tyson Smith, 22, died March 30, 2004, at his home, following an extended illness.

Born May 30, 1981, in St. Louis, he was an active listener to his scanner. The Sikeston Department of Public Safety kept him entertained at his bedside. He had a favorite dispatcher, Tommie Jean, who was also a close friend. Wyatt was a 2002 graduate of New Dawn State School and had been Valentine King, Prom King and Melissa's King of the Castle.

Survivors include: his foster parents, Mike and Melissa Stewart of the home; his mother and stepfather, Jane Smith and Mark Jones of St. Louis; his father and stepmother, Tom and Sharon Smith of Ste. Genevieve; two sisters, Taryn Smith and Whitney Smith of St. Louis; one brother, Chris Stewart of Sikeston; three stepsisters, Jennifer Sadler of Belgrade, Mo., Denise Sebastian of Park Hills and Jennifer Corrado of Granite City, Ill.; one stepbrother, Anthony Jones of St. Charles; his maternal grandmother, Loretta Thomas of Ste. Genevieve; foster cousins, Michelle, Bryce, Cameron and Morgan; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Raymond Thomas; paternal grandparents, Walter and Muriel Smith; his best friend, Justin Chance Taylor on Aug. 23, 2003; two foster brothers, Mathew Hayden on April 23, 2003, and William Lee Bartholomew on April 5, 1995; and one foster sister, Jennifer Loree Hayden on Aug. 9, 2001.

Dr. Kevin Blanton was not only his pediatrician through many years of continuous care, he was also his lifeline. During sickness or feeling great, Dr. Blanton always put a smile on his face. Kindness, compassion, cheerfulness and a wonderful experience connected them. Too many friends to list them all: Misty Dalton, Patty Wilson, Alan Michael Newton and the Newton Clan, his No. 1 teacher Marsha Riney and Pamela. He loved everyone at New Dawn.

Wyatt attended the Kenny Rogers Children's Center until age 21. Tom and Corey were his favorite physical therapists; Ute was his No. 1 occupational therapist. When Wyatt outlived his opportunity to be treated on Pediatrics at Missouri Delta Medical Center, he chose Southeast Missouri Hospital Hospice to be able to spend the remainder of his life at home with all the love and comforts surrounding him.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston and will continue from 9 a.m. Friday until service time at 11 a.m. Tom Ayers will officiate.

Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston.

Pallbearers wil be: Ricky Rapert, Marshall Russell, Patrick McCauley, Don Tinnin, Jeremy Moore and Mike Little.


Memorial contributions may be sent to:

New Dawn State School 710 Glen St. Sikeston, MO 63801

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