Pete Duane Smith

Pete Duane Smith was born on May 5, 1931 in Great Bend, Kansas to Bennie Smith and Lillian Dring. He grew up on his family farm in Pawnee Rock, Kansas where he helped run the farm with his two younger brothers while his father was off fighting in WWII. Pete attended Great Bend High School where he was a natural athlete. He played on both the varsity basketball and football teams. Pete was a member of the 1946 and 1947 undefeated 2 – time state champion football teams. He earned a scholarship to play football for KU, but unfortunately a knee injury changed his path after only attending one year at Kansas. However, his love for sports continued into his forties as he played on various Loveland City softball and basketball leagues. He also continued to be an avid KU fan.

At the age of 19, Pete enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. During his time in the Navy he was stationed in Japan. Pete was honorably discharged in January of 1955.

Upon returning home from the military, Pete married Janet Carolee Dodd where they enjoyed a 55-year marriage. Through this marriage they had two children, Julie Anne and Michael Pete. One of Pete’s toughest challenges in life was the loss of Julie in 1987 at the young age of 27.

Pete began his work career working for an oilfield supply company in their hometown of Great Bend. In 1957, Pete recognized the importance of a higher education and he and Carolee moved to Colorado where he could attend Colorado State University, graduating in 1959. Pete then worked for ARMCO Oil and Steel, this position required them to move to Fort Morgan, Colorado and Pete to travel all over Texas to support the industry needs. In 1962, Pete and Carolee, with their young daughter, returned to Loveland where he began his long career at Hewlett Packard. He started in the components division and in these early years at HP, he and Carolee were blessed with their son, Michael Pete. His years at HP continued where he moved into a management position supporting manufacturing. After 26 years of dedication to the company, Pete retired in 1988. During these 26 years, Pete developed countless relationships with his HP family, many which grew into lifelong friendships.

Throughout Pete’s life, one of his joys came from watching his son Michael play sports, especially basketball. He continued to enjoy his love for basketball by watching and following his two grandchildren; Collin and Katelyn play in high school and college.

Pete is survived by his son, Michael (Christine) Smith and grandchildren: Collin and Katelyn Smith; 2 brothers: Bill (Patricia) Smith of Seattle Washington and Richard (Jean) Smith of Denver. He is preceded in death by his wife Carolee and daughter Julie.

Memorial service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at Allnutt Funeral Service, Loveland, with Pastor Gibb Green officiating. Interment will be in the Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Kansas at a later date.

Memorials in Pete’s name are suggested to benefit Pathways Hospice. Family and friends are encouraged to visit www.allnutt.com to share their memories of Pete and sign the online guest book.