Darline C Smith

Darline was born on July 30, 1924, in Pattonsburg, Missouri to Marshall Marcellus Chadwick and Ether Loretta May (Mooney) Chadwick. She, along with her brother Kenneth Marshall Chadwick and their Mother, later moved to North Kansas City, Missouri. Darline graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1941, where she was active in numerous activities, including Pep Club, and was honored with a nomination for Yearbook Princess.

While in high school, she met the love of her life, Charles Alfred Smith, whom she proudly cheered on from the sidelines as he played football. Darline and Charles were married on July 18, 1944, shortly after Charles returned home from a two-year overseas tour of duty during World War II. They made their home in North Kansas City and began building a beautiful life together.

Darline began her professional career as a secretary with Southwestern Bell, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 1982.

Darline and Charles were deeply involved in their community, generously supporting numerous civic and charitable organizations. She was a devoted member of the NKC Women’s Fire Auxiliary, where she and Charles volunteered with the fire department. Charles worked as a railroad engineer and together they exemplified service and dedication.

One of Darline’s greatest passions was genealogy. Long before the internet made research accessible, she and Charles compiled three extensive family tree books. They traveled both domestically and internationally, gathering records, connecting with relatives and listening to family stories. Their carefully documented work continues to be treasured and referenced by family members today.

Sharing a love for history and craftsmanship, Darline and Charles also collected antiques, including their cherished 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster. As members of the Kansas City Model A Club, they traveled nationwide participating in parades and car shows, yet another expression of their shared love for travel and adventure.

Darline’s devotion to the Kansas City Chiefs was unmatched. She and Charles were original season ticket holders when the team first arrived in Kansas City. They delighted in sharing those tickets with family and friends, often inviting loved ones to games followed by dinner together. Even at 101 years young, Darline would eagerly ask when the next Chiefs game was scheduled.

Darline had an enormous heart and was always ready to help anyone in need. A natural caregiver, she lovingly tended to many sick friends and family members throughout her life. Her generosity knew no bounds, she even paid for a friend’s funeral to ensure they were properly honored.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ether Loretta May (Mooney) Chadwick and Marshall Marcellus Chadwick; brother Kenneth Marshall Chadwick, his wife Betty Sue (Fairley) Chadwick; and nephew Jack Lee Chadwick.

She is survived by her nephew Ronald Marshall Chadwick and his wife Candee (Todd) Chadwick; niece Joanna May (Chadwick) Adamek and her husband Glenn Ray Adamek, many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews and extended family members.

Services honoring Darline’s life will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO 64119. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, with service at 2:00 PM. A graveside service will immediately follow as Darline is laid to rest next to Charles. All are welcome to attend and celebrate her remarkable life and the love she shared with so many.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Oxford Grand Memory Care Unit for the loving care they provided Darline during the last years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or NorthCare Hospice House, 2800 Clay Edwards Drive, 2nd Floor, North Kansas City, MO 64116.