George W. Smith

George W. Smith, 86, a longtime resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Friday, May 7, 2010, at Fredonia Regional Hospital. He was born January 9, 1924 in Locust Grove, and raised near Claremore Oklahoma, the son of William A. and Dora M. (Morehead) Smith. George served in the United States Army from February 1943 to December 1945, earning the rank of corporal. He was stationed in New Guinea and was in the Philippine Liberation on Luzon on his 21st birthday, January 9, 1945. For more than 55 years, he owned and operated George"s Barber Shop and the Modern Beauty Shop in Fredonia. On August 4, 1946, in Chetopa, Kansas, he married Bessie Alice Carter. She survives at their home. George was a member of the First Christian Church, the V.F.W. and the American Legion. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Bessie, include: One son and daughter-in-law: Ron and Anita Smith of Fredonia, KS One daughter and son-in-law: Kathleen and Mike Austin of Carthage, MO One brother: Edwin Smith of Chetopa, KS Seven grandchildren: Michael Walters, Matthew Walters, Julie Simmons, Amanda Campbell, Kristy Campbell, Scott Smith and Shawn Smith Two step grandchildren: Michelle Wilson and Justin Austin Seven great grandchildren and eight step great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at the First Christian Church in Fredonia with Rev. Jim Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Timmons Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in George"s name with the First Christian Church and may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.