Melvin Earl "Smitty" Smith

Melvin Earl Smith "Smitty", age 78, passed away unexpectedly at the Miami County Medical Center on March 4, 2018. Earl was born September 21, 1939 to Joe and Lenora (Keller) Smith at the family home in Louisburg, Kansas. He attended Louisburg schools and graduated from Louisburg High School in 1958. He also attended Ottawa University. Earl joined the U.S. Army in 1956. He had active duty service in Wiesbaden and Buschbach, Germany. Upon his retirement from National Guard he had served his county for 28 years. He was united in marriage to Janet Kaye Feighner June 22, 1963 in Fontana, Kansas. They moved to Turner, Kansas in 1963. Smitty loved his Kansas Jayhawks and any Ford Mustang, but not more than his wife, his children and grandchildren. He started his career in the auto body business working in Miami County for Ray Jenkins, then worked for various dealerships such as Andy Klein Pontiac, Overland Park Jeep. He was owner of Smitty's Auto Body in Kansas City, Kansas for the better part of 20 years. After saying he retired, he went to work for the Walmart Distribution Center for another 20 years. When Kaye opened Lucy Lockets and Family Store on the Paola Square, he joined her in his spare time and became an avid antique and junk picker. He could find treasures most people would overlook. Earl would always tell his customers, "If you don't see it here, ask me, I may have it hidden." Earl was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Ellen Mae Smith, Betty Jo Lee, and Lenora "Toby" VanVlack. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet Kaye of the home; children Kristi Cassidy Bare and husband Michael, Toby Joe Smith and wife Melaine, Heidi Martin and husband Philip, and Jenny Lea Smith; grandchildren Patrick, Sarah, Clayton, Brooke, Evan, Nic, Cooper, Eli, and Elizabeth; great grandchildren Kingston and Charlotte; and brothers Albert Smith and William Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to 1108 Panther Robotics. To leave a special memory please go to the tribute tab.