William F. Smith

William F. Smith, 90, died Wednesday, January 4, 2017. Bill was born July 11, 1926 in Wellington, KS to Edwin and Leda (Rice) Smith. Bill graduated from Wichita East High School in 1944 and joined the Navy. He was a WWII veteran. He attended Wichita University where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Gamma fraternity (Beta Theta Pi) and ran track. Bill graduated with a degree in education and business. Worked for the Red Cross blood program locally then was the assistant field director in Wichita Falls, Texas at Sheppard Air Force Base. Bill married Norma Jean Haley on September 2, 1951. After ten years with Boeing, Bill and family moved to Kansas City where he worked for Baird and Son Office Supplies for 31 years, retiring as president. After 40 years in Kansas City, Bill and Norma returned to the Wichita area. Throughout his life Bill was a wonderful son and brother, loving husband and father, and a grandfather who made us laugh. Preceded in death by his wife, Norma, in 2013; parents; and one sister, Dorothy Sitts. Survivors include: sons and daughters-in-law, Doug and Dianna Smith of Augusta, KS, Dave and Rita Smith of Beatrice, NE, and Scott and Adriana Smith of Sunnyvale, CA; daughter, Stephanie Moser of Dallas, TX; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth Lay of Auburn, AL. Memorial service will be 10:30 am Saturday, January 7 at East Evangelical Free Church, 14725 E. Harry, Wichita, KS 67230. Memorials may be made to East Evangelical Free Church Benevolent Fund or The Regent Associate Appreciation Fund sent in care of The Regent, 2050 N. Webb, Wichita, KS 67206. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.