Elwayne E. Smith
October 19, 2016
Elwayne E. Smith, 95, passed away on Wednesday, October 19th, 2016, in his home at Larksfield Place, Wichita.
Smith and his wife Carol Lee moved from Southern California to Wichita in 2001, to be closer to his son, Wayne Bryan (Smith), Producing Artistic Director for Music Theatre Wichita.
Born in Wilson, Texas, the third of four children of Stacy A. and Maude Smith, Elwayne was graduated from University of Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. During World War Two, he served in combat in the South Pacific, earning the Bronze Star for heroism during his tenure as a naval officer on board the U.S.S. Maury.
After the war, using the G.I. Bill, Smith received his law degree from U.S.C. He was called back to serve as a naval attorney during the Korean War.
Upon his return to civilian life, he commenced a private law practice in the Los Angeles area, which included lengthy tenures as City Attorney for Huntington Park and Maywood, California. He retired after fifty years of legal practice.
Smith married Carolyn Marie Bast in 1944, with whom he had sons Wayne and Steven. After Carolyns death, he married Carol Lee Kratzert in 1997, who survives him along with his sons, several nieces, and nephews.
Well known for both his integrity in business and his sly sense of humor, Smith was a member of Kiwanis for 40 years and an active member of his church and community. He was a supporter of the Wichita Symphony and the Zoo, as well as Music Theatre Wichita, where a memorial has been established in his honor.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 22nd, at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium at Larksfield Place, 7373 E. 29th Street North.
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Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Elwayne for your service to this nation. U.S. Naval officer, WWII and Korean War. Bronze Star “V” for Valor recipient.