Deputy Sam A. Smith

Samuel Adam Smith was born May 19, 1988 in Sylmar, California to Kathleen (Shannon) Smith and Scott Smith. He moved to Ottawa, Kansas in 1990. He attended Sacred Heart through fifth grade. Sam was an active member of his community at an early age. Sam attended Ottawa Middle School where he was part of the Youth Action Council. Sam was the first person in Kansas under the age of 18 to receive the “You Make a Difference” Award for his community volunteerism. His accomplishments were commemorated by the Mayor of Ottawa and November 19th was declared “Sam Smith Day”. As a child, Sam could often be seen mowing lawns for neighbors and the elderly. He always said he did it because he knew it was helpful. When Sam was nine years old, he saw the movie “Memphis Belle” and knew instantly he wanted to become a pilot. In high school, Sam was a three year letterman in Football and Power Lifting. He was instrumental in the formation of the Youth in Government’s Teen Court Program. Governor Kathleen Sebelius appointed Sam to the Volunteer Commission for three consecutive terms. Sam was a member of Who’s Who Among High School students for three years. Sam participated in the Criminal Justice course while in high school and participated in Work Study at the Franklin County Jail. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 2006. Sam attended Kansas State University at Salina where he obtained his personal pilot’s license. He was a member of the Kansas State University Flight Team and Phi Delta Theta. Sam was employed as a Security Guard while living in Salina. In November of 2009, Sam became a Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy and after graduating from Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in March of 2010, he began active duty. While attending the KLETC, Sam organized his class to adopt a local family for Christmas. Sam was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, an active participant in its youth groups, and a recent member of The Knights of Columbus. Sam and his mother had a special bond and it was sometimes hard to decide which of them cared about others more. Sam loved his job at the Sheriff’s Department and was eager to work as much as they would let him. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, being outside, fishing, shooting, bull riding and just being with his friends. Sam’s friends and family describe him as patient, kind, being a great storyteller, having an infectious laugh, great smile and warm heart. Sam was never too old to hug and kiss his mom and ended every conversation with her by saying “I love you.” Sam had a love of flying and said he felt closer to God when he was in the air. He was a loving son, loyal friend and active member of the Ottawa community. Sam lived his life in service of others and on July 23rd, 2010, he gave his life in the line of duty while serving the residents of Franklin County. Sam will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Sam is survived by his mother, Kathleen Smith; his father, Scott Smith of Santa Clarita, CA; uncles, Michael Shannon of Coffeyville, KS, Tom Shannon of CA; and his best friends, Jesse Vega, Gene Golden, Zach Clayton and The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2010, at Ottawa University Chapel, with inurnment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Ottawa. A Rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. Thursday followed by family visitation at 7:00 at Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa. The family suggests memorial contributions to Sam Smith Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund or Sacred Heart Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.