Earl Joseph Smith

11/26/1925 - 09/26/2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earl J. Smith at the age of 98. Earl went to his Lord peacefully in his home in Wichita, KS on September 26, 2023. As painful as it is to say goodbye to our patriarch, Earl's family is happy because they know he is united with his one true love; Betty.

Earl was born on November 26, 1925 in Purcell, Oklahoma. He was raised by his mother and stepfather Birdy and Art Croft.

Earl was a proud Marine, serving in both World War ll in the South Pacific and in the Korean War.Earl had a hard exterior. Often seen by others as strict, disciplined, and tough. However, he was a very caring man with a loving heart. He opened his home to various family members throughout his life, offering help to those who needed it. He loved his family deeply. His greatest love was his wife Betty. They were married for 75 years before her passing in July of this year.

Earl had all the strength and grit that comes with being a child of the Great Depression, working since he was a boy, being a Golden Gloves boxer, breaking horses, and being a Marine.He had a wry and often risque sense of humor. He could deliver a sarcastic quip that would make you laugh but with enough dryness to it that it caught you off guard and took you a moment to catch up with the joke. He never seemed to fear confrontation and wouldn't hesitate to be bluntly honest, even in polite company.

Earl had enough experiences for several lifetimes. His history was one of endless fascination for his family. His kids and grandchildren often gathered around to ask him questions and listen to him tell stories from his past. Earl likely never considered himself a storyteller, but had a sharp memory and a knack for delivery. His conversations will be deeply missed.

Later in life Earl struggled with losing his eyesight and wrestled with feeling not as useful as he once was. He was a man who was accustomed to doing all of the work that needed to be done, being the one who helped everyone, and being the leader of his family. Though he wasn't able to physically do all of the things he had once done he was still a great source of wisdom and advice. In the three generations following him he instilled a love of camping, a belief that there is no problem that can't be solved with a little hard work, and a deep well of generosity that comes from a love for family.

His memories and stories will be carried on by his son Gary "Butch" Smith; his daughter, Debborah K. (Dan) Millspaugh; his eight grandchildren Travis Moore, Todd Smith, Shane Moore, Chris (Lowen) Millspaugh, Josh (Shannon) Millspaugh, Tracy Moore, Jesse (Emily Lucille) Millspaugh, and Staci (Ryan) Gronniger; his great-grandchildren, Trey, Kyler, Austin, Kaytlynn, Kristen, Joey, Klayton, Murphy, Wren; and his great-great-grandchildren Zoey and Levi.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or cards the family requests that if you want to celebrate Earl a donation can be made in his name to The Humane Society.