Smitty Thedford

Johnny Smith (Smitty) Thedford, 91, of Fort Dodge, passed away peacefully at Unity Point Hospital in Fort Dodge on November 19, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday November 28th, 2025, at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at North Lawn Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday at the Funeral Home.

Smitty is survived by his children, Hazel J. Thedford of Des Moines, Gail (Tim) Anderson of Fort Dodge, Annie Thedford of Fort Dodge, Barbara (Bill) Shivers of Moorland, L.S. Thedford of Fort Dodge, Karon Thedford of Las Vegas, Faith Thedford of Fort Dodge, and Cody Thedford of Fort Dodge. Smitty is also survived by his sister and brother, Annie Bell Grace (Jane), Columbus Thedford (PaJoe), both of Meridian, MS. Also, surviving, are 22 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Zula, 3 sons: Johnny Smith Jr., Christopher, and Jesse; sisters, Mary Anne Hopson (Boz), Irene Hopson (Rene), Mattie Gulley (Ralph), Eloise Harvey (Weed); and a large host of nieces and nephews.

Johnny Smith Thedford was born on May 6th, 1934, in Kemper, MS to Lottie Thedford and DL Hopson. He attended Kemper School and later, was united in marriage to Zula Mae Brown on February 16th, 1953, in Scooba, MS. They later established their home in Chattanooga, TN. During the mid 1960's, the family moved to Fort Dodge. Smitty worked for Coates Tire Company, the City of Fort Dodge, and finally construction, which was his passion as he enjoyed working with his hands and building. In 2015, He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal Savior. Smitty was passionate about hunting, fishing, keeping his gun collection pristine, and tending to his large gardens. He also loved his family and son-in-law Marshall Richardson (Frazier) very much; he enjoyed laughing, taunting and spending time with his friends. Words cannot be express how much he will truly be missed!