GARDEN CITY - John Duwain (Smiley) Cypert, 80, of Garden City, passed away Apr. 3, 2025. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Friday at Myers and Smith Funeral Home. Funeral Services will also be conducted at Myers and Smith at 10 a.m., Apr. 12. Interment will follow at the Garden City Cemetery. Immediately following will be a community meal and celebration of Smiley and Linda at the Garden City Community Center where everyone is welcome.
Smiley was born Jan. 27, 1945 in San Angelo. He married Josephine Linda LaMartina on June 22nd, 1966. They would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this summer. Smiley moved to Garden City in 1955 with his family from San Angelo. He attended school at Garden City and served in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. Smiley was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for boot camp before heading off to serve his country. Smiley knew about hard work early in life by helping his family make ends meet after losing his dad at the age of 13. His mother became a single mom to eight children and being one of the oldest children still at home, he was regularly used to help operate Cypert Butane Company. In the early 80’s, Smiley and Linda purchased the company from his mom. Smiley never turned anyone away who needed a propane delivery whether it be day, night or even on a holiday. They also had the belief that, if anyone couldn’t pay, “pay me what you can when you can.” Up until the last few years he still drove the butane truck until his children took over. Smiley was involved with the Lion’s Club, a member of the Volunteer Fire Department and worked beside Linda 27 years with the Glasscock Volunteer Ambulance Service. To help make ends meet, he also became a pumper For Tenneco Oil Company.
Survivors include two sons Ed Duwain Cypert of Garden City and Richard Cypert of Big Spring; one daughter Leasa Lowery and husband Kenny of Garden City; four grandchildren, Dylan Lowery and wife Emily of Lubbock, Austen Lowery and wife Katie of Midland, Ragan Lowery of Abilene, and Karson Lowery of Garden City; two greatgrandchildren, Oliver (Ollie) and Evelyn (Evie); one brother Dennie Cypert and wife Dawn of Burnet, four sisters, Delia Arthur of Gardendale, Sandi Snegireff and husband Bill of Scottsdale Arizona, Sharon Ifera, and husband Ray of Crane, Frances Grisham and husband Charlie of Odessa; and many nieces and nephews.
Smiley lived life to the fullest. His greatest loves were fishing, hunting, outdoor activities, going to the lake and beach, as well as family get-togethers. He loved watching old western films with Clint Eastwood, John Wayne and Steve Mcqueen. However, his biggest joys in life were his four grandsons and two great grandbabies. His legacy will live on in the many stories he shared, jokes he told and a few tall tales.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Cypert; his parents, J.T. Cypert and Jonnie Cypert, and two brothers, Calvin Cypert and James Cypert.
The family would like to thank the Glasscock County EMS, Glasscock County Sheriff’s Department, DPS, Big Spring EMS, as well as all other First Responders and bystanders. We are deeply grateful for the love and care shown during your services and assistance.
Arrangements are under the direction of Myers and Smith Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Glasscock County Volunteer Ambulance Service, PO Box 55, Garden City TX 79739