Herman L. Smith

Herman L. Smith, age 80, died Friday afternoon, March 6, 2015, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kansas.

He was born December 10, 1934, in rural Meade County, Kansas, the son of Elmer O. “Smitty” and Mary Elizabeth (Boyd) Smith. As a young boy, he attended grade school in the Mertilla Township and later graduated from Meade High School in 1953. After his graduation, he attended Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. In 1956, he joined the United States Air Force, serving until his discharge in 1959. Upon his discharge, he returned to rural Meade County and began his career in farming, retiring in 2005.

He was a member of the Meade County Fair Board for 28 years, the Meade County Historical Society, and was a Master Instructor for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Hunter Safety. He enjoyed square dancing, woodworking, and gun smithing.

On December 29, 1959, he married Genevieve M. Hobbs at Tacoma, Washington. She survives.

Other survivors include:

A son, Jeff Smith of Meade, Kansas

Two daughters, Audrey Flowers and husband Tom of Meade, Kansas

Linda Kastens of Meade, Kansas

Six grandchildren, Steven, Robin, Kristen, and Emily Flowers

Amanda and Sarah Kastens

He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Kenneth Leroy Smith; and a sister, Mary Elaine Morrison.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Meade, with Father Ted Skalsky presiding. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. 2015, at the church. Inurnment will follow in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade.

The family would welcome memorials to the Meade County Fair Building Fund or the Meade County Historical Society in care or Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com