Joseph H. Smith

He was born in Olathe, Ks. at the family home at Moonlight and Prairie Center Rd. He is preceded in death by his parents Alloys A. Smith and Elsie (Walker) Smith; brothers, Al, Ernest, Ed, Robert, and sister Margaret; sons-in-law Mike Correll and Karl Holl.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth E. (Ortolf) Smith of the home; his children all of Olathe, Mike Smith, Patti (Lee) Newson, Teresa Correll, Liz (Dave) Martens, Larry (Nancy) Smith, and Fred (Cheryl) Smith; 1 brother, Raymond Smith of Olathe and 1 sister, Mary Liz Eddington of California. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by his dog Mollie.

Joe was born and raised in Olathe, attended Moonlight school through 8th grade before going out to work. He was a retired painter, paper hanger, and a jack of all trades.

Joe and Ruth were married at Trinity Catholic Church in Lenexa, Kansas on Oct. 29,1941.

Joe was a sergeant in the Army, with the 209th Field Artillery Battalion, as a mechanic. He was stationed in Alaska at Cold Bay and Amchitka for 27 months before Pearl Harbor.

He was a 3rd Degree Life Member of the Knights of Columbus 1913 St. Paul and 4th Degree Life Member St. Phillipine 2260 and a Life (60 years) Member of the American Legion Leroy Hill Post 19, Gardner, KS.

He will be truly missed and we will keep his stories going on for years to come.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 24 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 900 S. Honeysuckle, Olathe, from 6:00-7:30, followed by the Rosary with the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Honors. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am, Wednesday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Olathe, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul's Funeral Dinner Fund.