Ernest "Ernie" E. Smith

Ernie Smith, 86, passed away January 9, 2016. Ernie was born in Craig County, Oklahoma to Johnny and Ona (Ware) Smith. Ernie lived in Chetopa, Kansas, Fort Scott, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas throughout his life. He served in the United States Army from 1955-1957 and was honorably released from active duty and service in the U.S. Army Reserve until his Honorable Discharge in 1963. Ernie worked for Owens Corning Fiberglass for 45 years before his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the Local Union #1. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, playing the guitar, farming, and coaching baseball and softball in the Wyandotte County area.

Ernie was preceded in death by parents, Johnny and Ona; wife of 44 years, Sue Smith and sister, Neva Lee Rogers. He is survived by his children, Susan Stidham, Gina (Joel) Leffert-Paige, Eric (Fawn) Smith and Larry Smith; sister, Deanie (Clinton) Foster; grandchildren, Lindsay (Alex Meddaugh) Blasche, Tyler Stidham, Meagan (Monti) Garrett, Kristyn Stidham, Erica Jean Smith, Jakob Leffert, Tucker Smith and Jakxon Leffert-Paige; great-grandchildren, Harper Janes, Finley Meddaugh, Izabel Garrett and Yuli Sullivan and niece, Debbie (Steve) Brammer.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 13th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. Funeral service will be Thursday, January 14th at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow services at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flower, memorial donations may be made to Cancer Action, 1600 Washington Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas 66102 or Heartland Hospice, 4601 College Boulevard, Suite 160, Leawood, Kansas 66211. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.chapelhill-butler.com.