Lester Smith
May 9, 1936 ~ April 30, 2021
Lester S. Smith, 84, passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021. He was the fourth eldest of 6 children of Leslie R. and Lola Smith. A retired insurance adjuster by occupation, Lester was better known for his many hobbies, passions, and friendships through the years. All who knew Les, knew of his passion for fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors in general, serving as former president of the Wichita Bassmasters Club (1975-2004 member), collecting knives, and enjoying time with family, teaching these trades on Beaver Lake in Arkansas. He was a talented pie maker, picking his own berries on many occasions, and an avid reader, particularly of Western novels, with a running list of completed novels exceeding 600. He always brought life and entertainment to every conversation with his self-proclaimed orneriness and was the best friend and family member any could ask for. He collected many friends through the years, from his time at Chanute High School (‘55 graduate), his football days at Independence Community College (a career cut short by injury), Emporia State University (‘59 graduate with a bachelor’s in business administration), some time in the Air National Guard leading them to Scottsbluff, NE, and finally on to Wichita, KS, for work in ‘63, where he and Ramona “Gail” have called home since. Here they spent 64 wonderful years of marriage and raised daughters Suzanne and Shelley, going on to become proud grandparents and great-grandparents. They’ve served as active members of Westlink Christian Church since 1997 and particularly enjoyed the learning and friendships formed through participation in the Koininia bible study. The church, now re-named Pathway Church, will host his funeral this Friday, May 7, at 1:00 pm. Masks are required. Lester is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Lola Smith; siblings, Marjorie, Merle, Chuck and Ruby, and son-in-law, Ken Hudson. He is survived by wife, Ramona “Gail” Smith of Wichita; brother, Wayne Smith of Humboldt, KS; daughter, Suzanne (Alan) Hermanson of Lenexa, KS; daughter, Shelley Hudson of Independence, KS; grandson, Jordan (Frannie) Hudson of Los Angeles, CA; granddaughter, Lacey (Ryan) Lies of Independence, KS; grandson, Alec (Jessica) Hermanson of Overland Park, KS; granddaughter, Addie Hermanson of Independence, KS; great-grandchildren, Shane, Hudson, Lola, Emerson and Maren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial is established with Pathway Church, 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita, KS 67212. Arrangements in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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Very sorry to read about Les’ death. He was my direct supervisor when I transferred to the USF&G Wichita office from Miami in the mid-70s. We established a very good working relationship and he helped me make the transition to claim handling in Wichita. We, along with others in the office, often went out to lunch and shared good conversation. Lester was a good friend and a great guy to work with. I will always remember him. To his loving family – Please accept my deepest sympathy. Gus Campuzano.
I am very sorry for your loss. I have good memories of working with Les at Cigna for several years. Les was a good man. He was prone to being a little ornery when he was with Lou Davis.
Rest Lester, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. Air National Guard.
My brother married Lester’s daughter Suzanne many years ago. Led treated me like family from the first time I met him. I enjoyed every time I had the honor to chat with him and Gail. Les had a awesome smile and even a better laugh. People like him don’t come around very often and I will miss him a lot. I had the privilege to see Les and Gail at the Dollar Tree not very long ago. It made my day to stand in the parking lot and catch up. Les is in Heaven and was a fine Christian Man. He didn’t need to tell you his beliefs, you just knew it. The only way I can explain it was the feeling of the Holy spirit around him. To my family and Lester’s, I am sad by his passing and will continue to pray for comfort & healing. I am 100 % sure he is sharing a laugh and story with Ken Hudson in Heaven.
When Lester was in school, he would work for my Dad at Cities Service Pipeline Division in Petrolia, Ks. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, the courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to hold in your heart