Christopher Timothy Smith
July 17, 1954 ~ December 4, 2024
Christopher Timothy Smith of Wichita, Kansas, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. He was born July 17, 1954, in Frankfurt, Germany, the son of Edward Joseph and Justine (Mulhearn) Smith. He later became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Chris graduated from Salina High School South (Kansas) with the class of 1972.
He served in the U.S. Air Force and the Kansas Air National Guard, retiring from both. He was employed with Southwestern College Professional Studies as Coordinator of Military Education. He was passionate about assisting Veterans in furthering their education.
Chris was united in marriage in 2013 with Tammy Ann Smith of Wichita, KS.
Chris’ Irish sense of humor was often on display among his family and friends, who were very important to him, whether at a family gathering, a work event, or a golf or bowling outing with his buddies. He was a ardent fan of KU basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Other survivors include his children, Shawn (Martha) Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada, Timothy (Madison) Smith of Buford, Georgia, Michael Smith of McPherson, Kansas; his step-daughters, Jessica (Manabu) Hisamoto of Portland, Oregon, Nicole Smarsh of Los Angeles, California; and nine grandchildren; his siblings, Karen Ann Smith of Derby, Kansas, Jan Marie (Bill) Shirk of Salina, Kansas, and Brian Michael Smith of Minneapolis, Kansas and “adopted brother”, Joseph (Janice) Krause of Bennington, Kansas.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark Edward Smith.
There will be no visitation. A Graveside Service will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, December 13, 2024, at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery (1208 N College St, Winfield, KS). Minister H.B. Berlow officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can made in honor of Christopher T. Smith to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. https://www.hynesmemorial.org/ways-to-donate
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel, Wichita, Kansas.
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We love you Chris! We will forever hold your memory close to our hearts. Tammy… we love you to the moon and back. We will always be here for you❣️
My Dad was a great person. I will remember him coaching baseball, coaching soccer. I used to love taking care of the baseball fields with him when I was a kid. Dad loved his family unconditionally and always worked to provide a loving, caring home for my brothers and I. You will always be in our hearts and memories. We love you Dad!
In loving memory of my father, a man whose life was a testament to hard work, tenacity, and strength. You taught me the value of perseverance and the power of kindness. Though your presence is no longer with us, your legacy will live on. I carry your memory in my heart, forever grateful for the time we shared.
-Timothy Carl Smith
Hi Tim I don’t know if u remember me or not but I am one of Carol’s daughters. I am sorry for your loss. I am curious what happened to your dad. Was it his heart? I saw him a few years back at my nephews football game but other then facebook haven’t heard from him. I hope other then the loss that you are doing well…its been a long time since I have seen u
What can I say about Chris? He was a great neighbor and friend and he always had a smile on his face. We lived nextdoor to him for over 20 years. Time goes by so fast. I’m so glad we got to visit Chris just a few days ago. Prayers and hugs to his family. He will be missed.
May the gates of heaven open wide and trumpets sound for the warrior that you were. RIP and thank you for your service to your country.
My Uncle Chris will always hold a special place in my heart. I was fortunate to grow up as a teenager with him around & a special relationship formed. It continued thru my college years, grew more as I started my own family & lasted to the end. Whether he was watching my football games or coming to all of my sons’ football games, he was a Derby Panther supporter for decades. He certainly showcased his proud Irish lineage & rambunctious personality. He made friends everywhere he went with a story or joke, while also having a kind & caring heart. He literally told me he loved me every time we parted & I will forever remember the impact he had on my life. Rest in peace my man- Love you Chris!
Chris…my brother. I have such overwhelming sadness in my heart now that you are gone. But also have been remembering so many good and happy times from when we were growing up. You were a special person with a good heart, and I always knew that about you. May God grant you eternal peace and rest. Love from your “little sister”, Jan.
With deepest sympathy,