Patrick Joseph Smith

Patrick Joseph Smith was born in Wichita, Ks. On November 8, 1962. His family moved to Seattle where he resided until 6th grade. At that time, he moved to live with his Aunt and Uncle on the farm near Milton, Ks. He completed high school in Argonia, Ks and participated in every sport available for young boys. He had many growing up experiences he cherished from both Seattle and the farm near Milton, Kansas. He played college football at Friends University in Wichita, Ks. until an injury sidelined him. There is a saying that “When one door closes, look for a window.” Pat was a master at applying this to his life. When football was no longer possible, he figured out that with his strength, he was well suited to be a “Yell Leader” and so became a part of the cheering squad at Friends University, with his sister, Laura, who was also on the squad.

On May 16, 1992, Pat married the love of his life, Shirley Fox. They started their married life together in Wichita, and then relocated to Tennessee in 1994. Patrick was a man with an almost endless capacity to love others. His love embraced his wife, each of their families, friends and human kind in general. He went out of his way to help anyone that crossed his path if they were in need.

In Kansas, Pat was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan. Upon moving to Tennessee, most of his devotion was transferred to the Tennessee Titans. He still loved the Chiefs, but in a game between the two, he was all Titan. He loved tail gating and attending games with Shirley, other family members that were able to come and friends. He especially loved it when the Chiefs played the Titans – here or there – as he was able to attend those events with his Kansas brother, Brad. Patrick was the life of any party he attended. He knew how to “make an entrance,” as one niece stated. He was known affectionately to his nieces and nephews as “Uncle P” and Uncle “Super Patrick.” He and Shirley were known as the fun Aunt and Uncle and their motto was “What happens in Nashville, stays in Nashville!” Patrick was larger than life itself in his ability to love and create laughter for all who knew him.

Patrick is survived by his beloved soul mate, Shirley Smith of Tennessee, brothers Edd Smith (Diane) and Jeff Smith, of Seattle area, Ken Stitt (Kim) and Brad Stitt (Teresa) of Milton, Kansas, sisters, Mary Smith Konik of Seattle area, Laura Smith (Conan) of Kihei, Hawaii, Vickie Struthers (Wes) of Clearwater, Kansas and Cathy Fooshee (Randall) of Derby, Kansas as well as a host of nieces and nephews he cherished.

Pat was preceded in death by two sets of parents, Edd and Joan Smith, formerly of Seattle, Washington, and Kenneth and Jennella Stitt formerly from a farm near Milton, Kansas, as well as two brothers, Don and Daryl Smith, formerly of Seattle area.

Everyone who knew Pat experienced his great capacity for love and compassion for others. We love you Pat! We refuse to say Goodbye, but instead say, “See you later!”

Memorials for Patrick may be made out to the Smith Family Reunion Fund and sent to Deanna VonFange, 3629 N. Burns St., Wichita, Ks 67204