Arthur Eugene Smiith

Arthur Eugene "Artie" Smith, 76, formerly of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2013, following a long illness. He was born on July 4, 1937, in Fredonia, to Homer and Albertine (Nattier) Smith. He was a 1956 graduate of Fredonia High School, where he enjoyed playing high school football. Artie was a proud member of the Coffeyville Red Ravens 1956 National Football Championship team. He enjoyed telling the story of how they won the game, 46-6, over Grand Rapids, Mich. Arthur served in the US Army between the Korea and Vietnam conflicts. He was a member of the US Army 1960 Football Championship team. Artie worked his entire career for the State of Kansas Department of Transportation, Bureau of Materials and Research as a geology technician. During his life, he resided in Fredonia, Coffeyville, El Dorado, and Wichita, Kan. He resided in the Kansas City area at the time of his death. On June 10, 1967, Artie was united in marriage to Shyrell (Cranor). They had two children, and were later divorced. Arthur"s survivors include: One son, Eric Smith, and his wife, April, of Olathe, KS One daughter, Sharilyn "Shari" (Smith) Gardner, of Pittsburg, KS Four grandchildren, and two cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Albertine Smith; an uncle, Eugene Smith, long-time owner of the Standard Service Station in Fredonia; a cousin, Donna (Fink) Spohn; his grandparents, and other aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 27, 2013 at Timmons Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Raymond of the Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship Church officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral, 9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Artie"s name with the Alzheimer"s Association and contributions may be sent to or left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements