Pastor Lynne W. Smith

Lynne W. Smith, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at his home in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 80. He was the first-born son to Wayne and Evelynne (Wheeler) Smith, born on July 30, 1941 in Winfield, Kansas.

Lynne's early years were spent on the farm close to family where he learned hard work, the value of family and serving the Lord. At an early age he felt the call of the Lord on his life. When the family moved to Augusta KS Reverend Vernon White became his mentor and encouraged Lynne to attend Berean Academy in Elbing, Kansas. He attended all four years at Berean Academy where he met Ruth, the love of his life.

On June 18, 1960 Lynne and Ruth A. (Stolz) Smith were united in marriage at the First Baptist Church in Augusta Kansas. Together they celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Lynne continued his education at Friends, and Ottawa University. While at Ottawa he pastored Appanoose Baptist Church from 1961-1963. While working full time and his family growing, he served in interim ministry until First Baptist Church Peabody, Kansas called him to minister full-time from 1966-1974. God called Lynne to Columbus, Kansas First Baptist church from 1974-1985. In 1985 he was led by God to serve at First Baptist Church Scott City, KS, where he ministered for over 20 years. In 1997 he was awarded by the American Baptist Churches, USA the Rosa Orline Hall recipient for outstanding leadership in Town and Country ministry. Lynne served on many civic boards and organizations being involved with his community and his church. After “retiring” in 2006 he went to work for the Central Baptist Region serving various churches. In 2008 he went back to his love of preaching when he accepted the pastorate at Appanoose Baptist Church…his first church and his last church.

As a pastor he served the Lord in the American Baptist Churches for nearly 60 years.

Lynne had a love for leading the young and old to Christ and growing their walk with the Lord through discipleship, small group bible studies, kids camp, youth camp and family camps. He also loved ministering through music. He didn't know a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved people and showed a genuine interest in what was important to others. Lynne was a huge fan of KU basketball and KC Royals baseball. He loved going with his family to watch their games or just talking about the game over the phone. He was a history buff, especially family history, and shared it with his children and grandchildren as often as he could.

Lynne loved his family, guiding his children in the way of the Lord, giving them advice on achieving their goals whether it be sports or music or just life. He was always their biggest cheerleader. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life. He was always there for them teasing them, encouraging them and showing them God’s love.

The greatest gift Lynne gave to his family was the love he showed to Ruth, the unconditional love and Godly example of Christ. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include: his loving wife, Ruth Smith of Wichita, KS; daughter, Debbie (Mark) Scott of Wellington, KS; daughter, Cindy (Denny) Kohl of Wichita, KS; son, Marty (Cindy) Smith of Jackson, MS; grandchildren, Laura Beth (Aaron) Froman of Wellington, KS, Luke (Laurel) Scott of Haven, KS, Silas (Chelsea) Scott of Wellington, KS, Samuel (Sylvia) Scott of Overbrook, KS, Christopher Kohl of Denver, CO, Jordan (Lorie) Kohl of Kailua, HI, Tia Kohl of Wichita, KS, Caleb Smith of Chicago IL, Rachel Smith of Lexington KY, Gabriel Smith of Chattanooga, TN; and 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Brandt of Gower, MO, sister Nancee (Mel) Conant of Castle Rock CO; brother Larry (Johnnette) Smith of Anthem, AZ, and brother Rick Smith of Willcox, AZ.

Lynne was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Evelynne Smith.

A Celebration of Life service for Lynne is scheduled for, July 8, 2022 at Glenville Baptist Church, 4604 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, Kansas 67217.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lynne’s memory may be sent to Appanoose Baptist Church building fund, PO Box 15, Overbrook, KS 66524.