In Memory Of
Russell J. Smith
1926
2015
Russell J. Smith
January 17, 1926 — July 24, 2015
Russell Jot Smith, of Topeka, Kansas passed away on July, 24, 2015 at Olathe Medical Center.
He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 17, 1926 to Orville and Edna Smith. Russell was raised in Olathe, Kansas. Russell was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Lucille Smith, his parents, his brother, Roe Smith and his sister Dorothy Brown. He is survived by his sister Donna Van Goethem, Overland Park, KS, his brother Marvin Smith, Moreno Valley, CA; 6 nieces and 7 nephews.
Russell was a WW II veteran, having served throughout Europe in the 44th Infantry Division of the US Army. After serving in the Army, he worked in the Veterans Hospital in Topeka, KS. This is where he met his future wife, Florence Peuker, while assisting her with a patient in the psychiatric ward of the hospital. They married on November 29, 1954 and were married nearly 59 years.
Russell attended Finlay Engineering School and earned a degree in structural engineering in 1953. He worked for OK Electric for many years. Later in his career, he worked for Capital Electric.
Russell and Florence enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, bowling and visiting family and friends. They were long-time members of the First United Methodist Church of Topeka.
Russell also enjoyed serving others and held various positions in the Topeka Masonic Lodge No. 17, AF & AM. He became a Master of the Lodge in 1973.Russell and Florence were active members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Russell will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A graveside memorial service will be held in his honor at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66606 on Saturday, August 1st at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at either of the following locations:
St. Louis Orthopedic Unit, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63131 or Galveston Burn Unit, 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550.
To share a special memory of Russell or to leave a message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 17, 1926 to Orville and Edna Smith. Russell was raised in Olathe, Kansas. Russell was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Lucille Smith, his parents, his brother, Roe Smith and his sister Dorothy Brown. He is survived by his sister Donna Van Goethem, Overland Park, KS, his brother Marvin Smith, Moreno Valley, CA; 6 nieces and 7 nephews.
Russell was a WW II veteran, having served throughout Europe in the 44th Infantry Division of the US Army. After serving in the Army, he worked in the Veterans Hospital in Topeka, KS. This is where he met his future wife, Florence Peuker, while assisting her with a patient in the psychiatric ward of the hospital. They married on November 29, 1954 and were married nearly 59 years.
Russell attended Finlay Engineering School and earned a degree in structural engineering in 1953. He worked for OK Electric for many years. Later in his career, he worked for Capital Electric.
Russell and Florence enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, bowling and visiting family and friends. They were long-time members of the First United Methodist Church of Topeka.
Russell also enjoyed serving others and held various positions in the Topeka Masonic Lodge No. 17, AF & AM. He became a Master of the Lodge in 1973.Russell and Florence were active members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Russell will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A graveside memorial service will be held in his honor at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66606 on Saturday, August 1st at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at either of the following locations:
St. Louis Orthopedic Unit, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63131 or Galveston Burn Unit, 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550.
To share a special memory of Russell or to leave a message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell J. Smith, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Graveside Service
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel Cemetery
Guestbook
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