Craig Robert Smith, age 75, of Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully with his wife Tanya and daughter Michele by his side on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM, with a rosary at 9:30 am and visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00am, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 4737 N Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64117. Craig will be laid to rest in Leavenworth National Cemetery the following day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his burial will be closed to the public.
Craig was born on September 24, 1945 in East Cleveland, OH to parents Robert William and Ferne Alice (Hoffmeyer) Smith. He graduated from Mentor High School in 1964. Craig had a promising career as a pitcher playing class A baseball, but due to the impending draft, he chose to enlist in the Navy. He was ranked as FTGSN Seaman, Fire Control Technician (Gunfire Control) Striker aboard the U.S.S. Shangri-la and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Craig served twenty years in the Navy and Navy reserves and looked back at his time in service as a highlight of his life. He enjoyed the comradery, was proud to serve his country, and always displayed the American flag outside his home.
He worked as a Results Foreman at KCPL for over thirty years and made many friends for life there. He was involved in the Catholic Church his whole life, as an alter boy at St. Marys grade school, in Mentor, Ohio, Immaculate Conception in Willoughby Ohio, and as an usher at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. He was in two bowling leagues. Craig loved to travel and enjoyed the ride as much as the destination. His favorite trip was to the Grand Canyon. Craig was very much a family man, the importance of family was very strong in his heart. He looked forward to the daily talks with his brother and daughter Michele. Family BBQs. The sports in his life was strong as he was a life time Cleveland Brown fan. He was president of the Browns Backers for several years. He was hoping for a winning season this year, and has been waiting a long, long time for that to happen. Go Browns! Craig enjoyed attending his grandchildren sports games. A part of his family, who is missing him dearly is Rohs, his Irish Terrier of 14 years.
Craig is preceded in death by his father Robert William Smith and his mother Ferne Alice (Hoffmeyer) Smith.
Craig is survived by his loving wife of sixteen years Tanya Lei Smith, his daughters Michele (Mark) Johnson, Danielle (Kevin) Lewis, and Katherine (Kevin) Schaffer, his brother Ronald (Mary) Smith, and his many grandchildren. Grace, Connor, Maeve, Caroline, Megan, Emma, Ellie, Hugh, Jack, Edward, Michael, George, Timmy, and Elaine Ferne. Craig will also be remembered fondly by Tanya’s children Sara (Gene) King and Austin Ralph and grandchildren Ava, Hayden, and Preston.
Pallbearers will be Ron Smith, Mark Johnson, Gene King, Austin Ralph, Clay Pennington, and David Pennington
If you feel so inclined, memorial gifts in Craig’s honor may be made to Harvesters Community Food Network www.harvesters.org
Craig’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors, especially Dr. Sirridge, nurses, and staff members at KU North Cancer Center for the exception care provided to Craig.
