Owen J. Smith, M.D.

Owen J. Smith, M.D., 63, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 12, 2013, at KU Medical Center surrounded by his wife and daughters. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 16th, 11:00 a.m., at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS, with a private burial following in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., to 11:00 a.m., one hour prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.nothingbutnets.net or to Children’s Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108.

Owen was preceded in death by his mother Eileen Kennedy Smith in 2011. His loving family includes his wife of 39 years, Maura; daughters Lindsay, Courtney, and Alexandra; father Norman (Eleanor); brother Mark (Margaret), and niece Jessica. The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff of KU Medical Center and KC Palliative Care.

Owen was born February 5, 1950 in Oak Park, Illinois. He attended the University of Notre Dame as an undergraduate and continued to the University of Nebraska Medical School. He completed a residency in internal medicine and fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Massachusetts. Throughout his career, he was a passionate academic, dedicated clinician, and extensive contributor to professional journals.

Owen began his clinical and teaching career in 1982 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, ultimately serving as Chief of Gastroenterology. He also practiced with the Plaza Gastroenterology Associates before continuing his career at Children’s Mercy Hospital as Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Interventional Endoscopy, Department of Gastroenterology.

He will be greatly missed as a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend.