In Memory Of
Richard H. Smelser
Richard H. Smelser
Richard H. "Dick" Smelser, 74, Topeka, died Monday, January 31, 2011 at Midland Hospice House surrounded by his family.
He was born December 27, 1936 in Topeka, the son of Harold L. and Mary J. Rogers Smelser. He graduated from Hutchinson High School, received a BS from Washburn University and a Master's Degree from The University of Kansas.
Dick worked for the State of Kansas for 34 years, first in the Insurance Department and later as an administrative assistant for the Department of Workers Compensation.
He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and Topeka North Post #400 of the American Legion. He served in the US Navy from 1954-1957. He was a collector of many things, loved to dance, and following his retirement, he became an avid recycler. His family, especially his grandchildren, were the main part of his life.
He married Sandra Jane Petersen on August 8, 1964 in O'Neill, Nebraska . She survives. Other survivors include a son Scott (Lisa) Smelser of Topeka; a daughter Sandy (Todd) Pigg of Topeka ; three grandchildren, Dylan , Brayden, and Mylee; a sister, Deanna (Peter) Dyksterhouse of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two nephews and one niece, and three great-nephews and one great-niece. A brother-in-law, Don (Jackie) Petersen of Topeka also survives.
Inurnment services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st St. 66604, or to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, 66606.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. .
He was born December 27, 1936 in Topeka, the son of Harold L. and Mary J. Rogers Smelser. He graduated from Hutchinson High School, received a BS from Washburn University and a Master's Degree from The University of Kansas.
Dick worked for the State of Kansas for 34 years, first in the Insurance Department and later as an administrative assistant for the Department of Workers Compensation.
He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and Topeka North Post #400 of the American Legion. He served in the US Navy from 1954-1957. He was a collector of many things, loved to dance, and following his retirement, he became an avid recycler. His family, especially his grandchildren, were the main part of his life.
He married Sandra Jane Petersen on August 8, 1964 in O'Neill, Nebraska . She survives. Other survivors include a son Scott (Lisa) Smelser of Topeka; a daughter Sandy (Todd) Pigg of Topeka ; three grandchildren, Dylan , Brayden, and Mylee; a sister, Deanna (Peter) Dyksterhouse of Kalamazoo, Michigan; two nephews and one niece, and three great-nephews and one great-niece. A brother-in-law, Don (Jackie) Petersen of Topeka also survives.
Inurnment services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st St. 66604, or to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, 66606.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements. .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard H. Smelser, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Monday, February 7, 2011
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Trinity Presbyterian Church
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