Vernon L. Smith, 81, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Medicalodge on Midland in Coffeyville.
He was born on August 29, 1941, at Moline, Kansas to Wesley Morton “Bus” and Zeta Mae (Forester) Smith. Vernon grew up at attended school in Moline graduating from Moline High School.
Vernon was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving from 1960 to 1963. After his honorable discharge from the military, Vernon lived in Wichita, Kansas for several years. He worked for an aircraft manufacturer where he was the crew chief for the supply room for many years.
He married Elizabeth Ann Mobbs, of that union two children were born, Wes and Tracie. The couple later divorced.
On November 10, 1984, he married Karen Carter at the First Southern Baptist Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. Karen had a daughter, Tina from a previous marriage. The two loved each other’s children as their own. The couple made Coffeyville their home for the past 20(+) years.
Vernon enjoyed being a member of Dearing Christian Church and the many friends he made while attending church. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Wichita. He was an avid knife collector and he enjoyed living a “western” lifestyle. Most of all he loved the time he spent surrounded by his family and friends.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen Smith of the home; children, Wes Smith and wife, Lisa of Wellington, Kansas; Tracie Holsworth and husband, Kyle of Wellington, Kansas; step-daughter, Tina Lewman of Joplin, Missouri; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous extended relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bus and Zeta Mae Smith and by two brothers.
Friends may sign the guest register for Vernon on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park in Coffeyville. Pastor Jamie Regis of the Dearing Christian Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Coffeyville.
The family suggests memorial contribution can be made to the Dearing Christian Church; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.
The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas. To leave a condolence online, visit www.dwbfh.com
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