Samuel K. Smith, 86, of Blue Springs, Missouri died on March 14, 2024. Sam was born to Velma E. (Flinn) Smith and her husband on November 27, 1937 in Stewartsville, Missouri. Velma, Sam, and his three sisters moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1944. Sam attended Southwest High School where he met his wife-to-be Janice E. Eisman. They were married on June 22, 1957. They had three children. Sam worked as a produce manager at A&P Grocery Store in the Ruskin neighborhood. His step-father Clarence Sloniker taught him the piano tuning and rebuilding business. Sam developed a successful piano business over the years, retiring at age 85. He took pride in his work and his customers. Sam loved fishing, hunting, and playing the trumpet. He played for 22 years in his church orchestra, as well as several community bands. Jazz music was his favorite.
Sam is survived by his wife Jan of 66 years and three children Sam Smith, Julie (Larry) Rich, and Bryan Smith. He is also survived by seven granddaughters Amy Rich, Kelly Rich, Cortney (Mike) Turrell, Tiffanie (Jarred) English, Brittnee (Chase) Bryan, Whitnee Smith, and Sydney Smith. Sam has five great grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his mother Velma Sloniker and his three sisters Marge Dailey, Anita Hein, and Vera Jones.
Visitation will be held at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 1pm followed by a funeral service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Connection Point Church Orchestra in Raytown or St Lukes Hospice House in Kansas City.
