Archie L. Smith

Archie L. Smith, 93, of Riverdale, Iowa passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3rd at Riverdale Town Hall, 110 Manor Dr., Riverdale. Inurnment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to King’s Harvest Pet Rescue No Kill Shelter, Davenport. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Archie was born on February 16, 1931 in Fairfield, Iowa, the son of John and Vina (Messer) Smith. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Following his military service, Archie founded and operated A.L. Smith Painting & Decorating in Riverdale. He had a love for animals, both domestic and wildlife. He enjoyed feeding all the animals that came to visit, especially the geese that found their home in his front yard. Archie enjoyed fishing and playing pool. In his early years, he had a passion for aviation and owned his own airplane. He also served as a Riverdale volunteer firefighter from March 1958 to July 1960. 

Those left to honor his memory are his children, Penni (Mike) Steen of Riverdale, Perri (Athena) Smith of Riverdale, Patti (Bill) Bettger of Aurora, Colorado, Sherry (Mick) Cale-Tague of Raytown, Missouri, and Todd (Jennifer) Cale of Riverdale; daughter-in-law, Tammy Cale of Bettendorf; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson and namesake, Archie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Dorothea Swanwick; son, Wally Cale; brothers, Bob and Jack Smith; and grandsons, Paul Mooney IV and Dan Mooney.