Alvin Edward Smith

Alvin Edward Smith, 96, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Centropolis Baptist Church, 717 Centropolis Avenue, Ottawa. Family will meet with friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday, April 17, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Interment Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Centropolis. Alvin was born at home July 16, 1920, in Franklin County, to Edward and Edna (Howser) Smith. He married Elsie Aletta Miller on November 10, 1946. Survivors include his wife, Elsie Smith of Ottawa; six children, Robert Smith of Pomona, Dona (Harold) Demoret of Wakeeney, Judy (Larry) Michael of Manistique, Michigan, Aletta (Craig) Purcell of Pomona, Kenneth (Louise) Smith of Ottawa, and Gloria (Skip) Clift of Conroe, Texas; son-in-law, Gary Rice of Kansas City; sister, Martha (Loren) Mohler of Buhler; sister-in-law, Betty (Mohler) Smith of Houston, Texas; twenty-three grandchildren; fifty-two great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Ava Rice; parents, Edward and Edna Smith; sister, Marie and husband Delmar Wray; brother, John Smith; and son-in-law, Dale Francisco. Alvin was a dairy farmer in Franklin County for 30 years before moving to Texas to work with Roloff Ministries to establish a dairy, and then become superintendent of Peaceful Valley Home for the aged. He also enjoyed raising honey bees and did that professionally for 30 years. His passion in life was to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he met. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Centropolis Baptist Church or Annabel de Vallejo Orphanage, Guadalajara, Mexico c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Alvin’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com