Eldred W. Smith

Eldred W. Smith, age 92, of Home, Kansas, passed away on June 19, 2026, at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville.

Visitation was held on Monday, June 29, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

Private family burial will be held at a later date.

Eldred was born December 27, 1933, at his family home near Oketo, Kansas, to Elwood and Netta (Vogel) Smith. He attended a rural country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Marysville High School in 1952.

Following graduation, Eldred devoted himself to farming alongside his father on the family farm, a way of life he cherished throughout his years.

On May 29, 1955, he was united in marriage to Rita Butler at the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Marysville. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Laurie and Lynette.

Eldred proudly served his country in the U.S. National Guard. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 163 and the Marysville Moose Lodge No. 1403.

In addition to farming, Eldred worked for many years with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation (ASC) Office. He also assisted Rita in operating the Oketo Market, where they enjoyed serving their community.

Eldred and Rita shared many years dancing, roller skating, and traveling on bus tours together. He also enjoyed playing ball.

An avid outdoorsman, Eldred found great enjoyment in hunting and spending time on the farm. He appreciated the simple pleasures of rural life and took pride in the land he worked and the family he loved.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; parents; sister, Nada Patterson; sisters-in-law, Doris (Virgil) Peters, and Lily (Jim O'Neil) Graham; and brothers-in-law, Mert (Barb) Butler, and David Butler.

Survivors include his daughters, Laurie Cameron (Ken Cacek) of Summerfield, Kansas, and Lynette (Scotty) Day of Home, Kansas; grandchildren, Justin Cameron (Allen Morris), Lana Cameron, Haley (Ryan) Nincehelser, and Justin (Jennifer) Cacek; great-grandchildren, Bennett and Brynnly Nincehelser; niece, Sherry VanAmburg-Lorenz; brothers-in-law, Bud Patterson, Chuck (Sandy) Butler, and Steve (Joy) Butler; and many more nieces and nephews.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.