Jerry Smith

Jerome Ernest Smith, 73, of Paola, Kansas passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to everyone he knew.

“Jerry” as he was known by his family and friends was born on January 7, 1949 in Gardner, Kansas to Ernest Sylvester and Mary Cecelia Smith. He grew up working on the family farm and graduated from Olathe High School. After graduating, he served his country honorably in Vietnam where he received a Purple Heart while serving in the United States Marine Corp. After returning home, he met Brenda and they were married on November 13, 1976. Together they raised two children, Todd and Jessica.

He worked as a self-employed Construction Worker, specializing in carpentry. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion Post 153 in Olathe, Kansas. Jerry was considered a kind, sincere and caring person. He enjoyed spending time with his family and nothing gave him more pleasure in life than the time he spent with his grandchildren. Jerry also enjoyed coin collecting. He will be sadly missed.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his loving daughter, Jessica Leigh Smith who passed away on July 5, 2020 and his infant sister, Mary Jane Smith and his brother Jim Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of forty six years, Brenda Smith of the home and his son Todd Green of Olathe, Kansas. Left behind to cherish his memory are his three grandchildren, Danaisha Smith, Cecelia Smith, Dezi Smith and his great granddaughter Melani Smith. Jerry is also survived by his three brothers, Bill Smith of Olathe, Kansas, Tommy Smith and his wife Michelle of DeSoto, Kansas, Frankie Smith in New York and three sisters, Judy Coday and her husband Rod of Shawnee, Kansas, Rose Smith of Olathe, Kansas, and Susie and her husband Dave of Baldwin City, Kansas and sister-in-law, Susan Smith of Parsons, Kansas.

Jerry will be cremated according to his wishes. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 starting from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions “In Memory of Jerry Smith” may be made to:

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Condolences may be offered at: www.McGilley-Frye.com