Wayne M. Smith Jr.

Wayne M. Smith, Jr. passed peacefully to his eternal reward on October 30, 2025. He was born in Craig County, Oklahoma on December 6, 1926 where he spent his early childhood years before moving to Chetopa, Kansas at the age of 13. He spent his senior year in high school at Wichita East, and then immediately enlisted in the US Navy, serving for 2.5 years as a Corporal First Class.

Wayne was the middle child of the three children born to Wayne M., Sr. and Lois Smith. His parents and his sisters, Irene Simpson and Louise Pendergraft, predeceased him, as did his grandson, Jack Monroe Siegrist. He was proud of his heritage as a citizen of the Cherokee nation and enjoyed following its current activities.

Upon returning to Kansas following his military service, Wayne met and married the love of his life, Mary Phyllis. They were married for 58 years prior to her death in 2008. Together, they raised six children all of whom are surviving: Michael (Jo Ellen) of Anchorage, AK, Greg (Sue) of Clearwater, KS, Shelly Burrus (Kevin) of Bel Aire, KS, Kathy Burrus (Mike), Cindy Graf (Pat), both of Wichita, and Patrick (Natalie McNeil) of Oklahoma City, OK. Additionally, he leaves behind 23 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. Wayne’s family was the light of his life, and he will be greatly missed by all of them.

Wayne was an astute businessman. He spent his entire working career in the lumber business, rising to the level of Executive Vice President of Rounds and Porter Lumber Company, and in the years leading up to his retirement, as co-owner of Golden Plains Lumber Company.

He was an avid outdoorsman, with his love of fishing and hunting starting as a young boy in helping to put food on his family’s table. He was a true sports fan, enjoying watching competitions of any kind – whether involving young kids or seasoned professionals. He especially enjoyed his many decades as a Wichita State basketball season ticket holder.

Viewing will be from 12:00 – 4:00 pm, Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. A rosary will be prayed for his intentions at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, November 5, 2025, and his Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, November 6, 2025, both at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Memorials can be made to Catholic Care Center, 6700 E. 45th Street North, Bel Aire, KS 67226.