Duane Rolla Smith
September 6, 1931 ~ October 30, 2018
Duane Rolla Smith, 87, passed away October 30, 2018. Duane was born September 6, 1931, in Wichita to Rolla and Nannie Smith. Duane lived a full life and always put his family first. He graduated from Wichita University in 1953, where he was an active member of the Men of Webster. After marrying his college sweetheart, Patricia Ann Wilkinson, he served in the Air Force from 1954-1956. As a career sales man, he spent 36 years at Western Lithograph Company, followed by 15 years at Pioneer Balloon Company. Duane was an active parent as well as past President of Wichita Swim Club. He rarely missed any event that his kids and grandkids participated in. He was an avid Shocker basketball fan and a season ticket holder for over 50 years. As a devoted husband, he cared for wife, Pat for many years in their home after she developed Alzheimers. He continued supporting the Alzheimers community as a volunteer helping other caregivers. In 2012, the local Alzheimers Association chapter honored him by creating the Duane R. Smith Annual Caregiver of the Year award. Dedicated to giving back, he volunteered at many organizations including: East Heights United Methodist Church, the Alzheimers Association, Wesley Hospital, Meals on Wheels and reading to school children. Duane is preceded in death by brothers, Marvin and Gaylord Smith and wife, Patricia Ann (Wilkinson) Smith. Survived by children: Steve (Lisa) Smith of Denver, Doug Smith of Wichita, Becky (Ross) Way of Wichita, Dan (Janet) Smith of Lubbock, Linda (Kevin) Cullinan of Wichita and Mike (Sally) Smith of Wichita. Grandchildren: Dana Smith and Jordan (Dan) Ficke; Ryan (Savannah) and Kris Smith; Drew (Kaitlin), Corey and Jake Way; Kelsey and Hannah Smith; Hunter and Tyler Jackson; Ian, Kyle and Dillon Cullinan; Rachel and Gavin Smith. Great-grandchildren: Opal Smith, Jack Way, Sloane and Liam Ficke. Nephews: Stewart Smith, Gaylord and Foster Smith. A celebration of life service will be held Friday, November 9, 2018 at 11:00 am at East Heights United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimers Association, 1820 E. Douglas, 67214. Duane was an inspiration to others and lived his life-long motto, "Continue to Celebrate!" Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Duane lived a long, full life. My thoughts are with the entire Smith family as you grieve and celebrate your patriarch. Love to you all!
We are sorry for your loss. You have the thoughts and prayers of his co-workers at Pioneer Balloon Co. It was good to see him at Pioneers celebration last year.
I was lucky enough to work in a pre-kindergarten classroom where Mr.Smith would come to read for many years. He was so kind and sweet. He lovingly picked out a book each week and taught the children to say ‘I got smarter today!’ at every visit. He brought joy to many students over the years and I will always remeber his smile. Continue to Celebrate Mr. Smith! My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
Such a wonderful and compassionate man, beloved by everyone he came in contact with. His inspiring Duane-isms always make me smile. We are all better having known him. Prayers and blessings to all of you during this time.
Im so sorry Mike and Sally.
To the Smith family, your Mom and Dad were great people, I was on the Wichita swim club when I was a kid, your mom and dad would give us rides to practice sometimes, we lived on Fountain street. I reconnected with them when they delivered meals on wheels to my father and mother in law. It was great to talk to your dad about the old days, he would pulled up to the house with the meal, 4 old men in the Chrysler 300. It was a pleasure to know them, they made us better people/adults!
Shawn Lewis
Rest Duane, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Duane was a great friend to the Linwood Sexton family. And we enjoyed chatting with him at Shocker basketball games. Good memories. Our best to his family.
We worked with Duane at Western Lithograph, and always respected his meticulous care of his customers projects.
We are so sorry for your loss! Your Father was one of the most dedicated Fathers and Husband I have witnessed in my 55 years!!! There are not many!
Lovingly Michelle Sanders
Swim meets just wont be the same without him cheering the kids on. He touched so many lives. The Pirners are sorry to hear of Duanes passing but are blessed to have known him.
We have lost a very special Sunday School class member, that his interest were many and could discuss almost any subject, because he was so well read. I will miss him dearly, as I did this Sunday because it was my turn to pick him up for church. He has moved on to a better discussion group, plus hes back with missed family.
I first met Duane through Larry and Anita Jones, probably over 25 years ago. Over the years, I continued to see him at Shocker basketball games and WSU events and he was always so pleasant. Please know of our thoughts for you, his family, during this difficult time.
I will never forget Mr. Smiths quotes and words of wisdom to me as he came to read to our students in the Prek classroom at Jefferson Elementary for almost 20 years. He was a wonderful mentor to me. Thank you Duane.
So sorry to hear about Duanes passing. He and Pat delivered Meals on Wheels for us for years.. and he continued with his “team” after that. He was a champion for seniors – especially for those who suffered – often alone! RIP Duane
We met Duane through Shocker basketball. We had changed seats and were sitting next to him. It was a pleasure to get to know him. I looked forward to seeing him and his smile. I still miss seeing that smile. Peace be you.
Rip
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.