Darlene A. Smith

Darlene A. Smith, age 83, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Darlene was born on September 23, 1938, in Dighton, Kansas, the daughter of the late William J. and Frances M. Kuhn. After birth, the family moved to Scott City, Kansas, where Darlene graduated from Scott Community High School in 1956. After graduation Darlene moved to Wichita and attended cosmetology school. On October 2, 1957, she married Willard DeWayne "Willie" Clemons of El Dorado, Kansas. They were married until his death in 1984. Willie and Darlene had four children.

In her early years, Darlene worked as a hairstylist, working for others and owning her own salon "Darlene's Beauty Shop" in El Dorado. Darlene also worked for the Hair & Shampoo Center in Wichita for 12 years where she met Vernon Smith as a client. They became great friends as they chatted while she was doing Vern's hair. The two eventually married in August 1997.

In 1988, Darlene chose to go to college, graduating from Butler Community College, Newman University, and Friends University earning her Master's Degree in Business Administration. She began instructing at Vatterott College and eventually became their Librarian, until her retirement in 2012, at the age of 74.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; and sister, Alice Anderson.

Survivors include her husband, Vernon Smith; brother, Kenneth Kuhn, of Bear Creek, AL; children, Frances and husband, Norman Foster, Wesley and wife, Valerie Clemons, Matthew and wife, Margo Clemons, Mark and wife, Cindy Clemons; grandchildren, Jaclyn Markel, Mike and wife, Ashlee Foster, Caroline Engle, Luke and wife, Katie Engle, Lily Foster, Levi Clemons, Kaley Clemons, Ian Clemons, Charylina and husband, John Goolsby, Joshua and wife, Sarah Clemons, Chad and wife, Kim Clemons; great grandchildren, Tenlee, Eliana, Graysen, Leah, Sophia, Anston, Avery, Asher, Marshall, Naomi, Elise, Krista, and Emma. Darlene also enjoyed spending time with Vern's family as well.

Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Countryside Christian Church, 1919 S. Rock Road, Wichita. Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Garden of Meditation.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with Countryside Christian Church for the Youth and Children's Ministries.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Smith family.