Richard "Smitty" Lee Smith

Richard Lee Smith, "Smitty", 74, a resident of Fredonia, formerly of Neodesha and Topeka, died Monday, August 20, 2012 at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. He was born August 5, 1938, the son of Kenneth M. and Helen Leona (Wood) Smith. Smitty was a 1957 graduate of Highland Park High School in Topeka. He served in the United States Navy, 1959-1963. Smitty"s employment included Prestige Cabinets in Neodesha and helping to build several casino"s in Las Vegas. He was best known for his skills as an autobody mechanic. In 1965 in Topeka, Smitty was united in marriage to Elaine M. VanMatre. They were later divorced. Smitty is survived by: One daughter: Laurel Hare of Neodesha, KS One sister: Donna Clinton of Topeka, KS Two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His parents and infant son, Todd Lee Smith preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, August 24, 2012 at Timmons Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Bell of the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Topeka Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Smitty"s name with Fredonia Regional Healthcare Foundation and contributions can be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.