Bill Smith

Wichita - Smith, William R. "Bill", 89, died Thursday, September 16, 2021. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Bill served his country honorably during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Cessna after 34 years.

Visitation: Monday, September 20, 2021, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Smith Family Mortuary, Derby. Funeral Service: 2:00 pm, Tuesday, September 21, 2021 with the family greeting from 1:00 pm until service time at Faith Lutheran Church, 214 S. Derby Ave, Derby. Graveside service with Military Honors to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Derby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Modena Shaffer Smith; nine siblings, and an infant daughter, Pam.

Bill is survived by his wife Marlene Smith; three children, Terry (Susan) Smith of Belle Plaine, Cheryl (Les) Berry of Rose Hill, and Glenna Hufford of Derby; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and a sister, Maxine Rotz of Chambersburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E Rockhill St #403, Wichita, KS 67206.

Bill wore many hats and tried his hand at many things in his lifetime and became very successful at whatever he tried. He began his employment journey working on the Russell Wilkinson farm in Chambersburg at a very young age.

E.D. Plummer became his next employment, 1946-1950, prior to joining the Air Force in 1950 and heading to the Korean War Conflict.

Upon being honorable discharged in December of 1954 he married his wife Marlene in Enid, OK. After their marriage they moved to Chambersburg, PA and they both worked at the Shoe Factory until moving back to the Midwest, Wichita Ks. working for the Boeing Co. He also worked for Earl Huston Lumber Co of which was an adventure in itself along with being a janitor at Campus High School, which also was employment for a short time too. He then landed a spot at Cessna Aircraft for the remainder of his employment.

Bill did whatever it took to provide for his family. Bill’s earthly journey was blessed with family and friends who loved him dearly. He was an avid supporter in all areas of his grandchildren’s lives, traveling to sporting and school events graduations etc. Making memories along the way, he was their number one fan, always having words of encouragement and believing in them every step of the way. He absolutely adored his great-grandchildren too-joking, playing ball, pulling them on garden cart, even wrestling on the floor with them. He spoiled them rotten every chance he got.

Bill had a spit-fire personality, NOT taking no for answer. He lived out his faith continually by serving others. He could be found at Faith Lutheran Church any time the doors were open, serving as a trustee, usher, and all around handyman. He was usually the first person to get a call any time need arose.

Bill had numerous hobbies during his retirement years-deer hunting, painting cars, gardening and woodworking. He spent hours in his shop making tables and lamps for family and friends, sometimes dumpster diving in hopes of making a masterpiece out of junk (and he did).

His skills led him to cut out each letter of The Lord’s Prayer which hangs in the church foyer.

He and Marlene enjoyed square dancing and bus tours, traveling coast to coast.

At the end of the day he usually could be found in his recliner watching old westerns, usually featuring John Wayne.

Your legacy and memory will live on in the many lives you have touched. Your journey on earth complete, welcomed home by Jesus, the true Carpenter.

Happy Trails Bill, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, & friend until we meet again!