John Eugene Smith

John Eugene Smith, age 73, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas.  John was born May 25, 1944 in Amarillo, Texas, the son of Cecil Elmer & Nan Doris (Caldwell) Smith.  In 1968, John graduated from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas with a degree in Business Management. John and his family first lived in Leoti, Kansas from 1976 until 1985 when they moved to Texas.  In 1993 they returned to Leoti, Kansas where he was Manager of Mel’s Foodliner, later named Leoti Foods. John enjoyed many things. His work at the grocery store was his passion. The many friendships he gained through his years of service to the community blessed him in abundance. He also enjoyed many years of bowling. He was involved in many tournaments from the time he was a young man growing up in Dumas Texas. His love for the game of chess was passed on to his grandchildren. He enjoyed the many games he had with them. Especially the ones when he was the winner. He was a bit ornery!! After retiring, he spent a great deal of time drinking coffee with as he would call it “ the liar’s club”. John loved spending time with his friends he gained from church, work, and the community. The family has been so blessed by Leoti and wants to express their gratitude.

John was a member of Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Leoti, Kansas.  He also served as a former board member for Wichita County Amusement Association and Wichita County Senior Citizens Center in Leoti, Kansas.  He was also a member of the Gideon Society.

On September 2, 1967 he married Charlotte Tutt in Abilene, Texas.

John’s surviving family includes-

His Wife

Charlotte Smith-                                    Leoti, Kansas

Three Daughters-

Nancy & Kevin Moore-                        Midland, Texas

Melissa & Kyle Butts-                        Wichita, Kansas

Carrie & Randy Biermann-                        Leoti, Kansas

Three Siblings-

Bill & Cynthia Smith-                                    Georgetown, Texas

Patsy & Ray Vender-                                    Fayetteville, Georgia

Nancy & Kevin Kort-                                    Fort Worth, Texas

Eight Grandchildren-

Amanda & Justin Usener, Justin Moore, Bailey Lunsford, Brady Lunsford, Braydon Lunsford, John Biermann, Nicole Biermann and Adam Biermann.

His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Leoti, Kansas with Pastor Dustin Fritzmeier officiating.  Burial will be in Leoti Cemetery.

Friends may call from 1:00 to 8:00 Sunday and from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Abundant Life Fellowship Church or Heartland Care Cancer Center in care of the funeral home.