MCPHERSON — Howard Milton Smith, 93, of McPherson, Kan. and formerly of Inman, Kan., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at The Cedars, McPherson.
Howard served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. He retired from the maintenance department at NCRA Refinery where he worked for 34 years. Prior to the refinery, he worked for Santa Fe Railroad.
Howard was born on March 2, 1930, in McPherson, Kan., the son of Ray A. and Mildred Helen (Rump) Smith. He graduated from Inman High School in 1948. On Feb. 11, 1951, Howard was united in marriage to Vivian Carol Briggs at the Andover Lutheran Church, Windom. Two children were born to this union, Perry and Norene. Howard and Vivian were married for 70 years prior to her passing on July 23, 2021.
He was a lifelong member of Andover Lutheran Church, Windom and associate member of Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson.
Survivors include a son, Dr. Perry Smith (Krista) of Great Bend, Kan.; a daughter, Norene Kerschen (Daniel) of Garden Plain, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Emily Pauly (Ethan), Jon Kerschen (Emily), Rachel Schmidt (Jeffrey), Keith Kerschen, Kim Hay (Marshall), Kelsey Sciacca (Adam), and Mason Smith; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Helen Smith; wife, Vivian Smith; brothers, John Smith and Glen Smith; sister, Gladys Meek; and twin sister, Helen Regehr.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 27, followed by a luncheon at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. Tim Leaf will officiate the service. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, at North Inman Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Andover Lutheran Church, or American Red Cross in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Stockham Family Funeral Home
205 North Chestnut
McPherson, KS 67460
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 24, 2023
