Richard Lee Smith

Richard L. Smith, 53, of Westmoreland, Kansas passed away Saturday, November 28, 2009 at Mercy Regional Health Center of Manhattan. Richard was born on April 1, 1956 in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Mike L. and Iva Jean (Woody) Smith. He attended grade school and high school in Pratt, Kansas. On August 3, 1992, he was united in marriage to Leah Ann Myers in Manhattan, Kansas. She survives of the home. He was currently employed with the Manhattan Housing Authority in building maintenance, and previously worked for the USD 323 Rock Creek School District Maintenance Department and as a school bus driver from 1991 until 2007. Richard was very active as a member of the District 7-Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department since 2003, and was serving as the Assistant Fire Chief. Richard enjoyed working with his hands, especially woodworking. He also liked to spend time fishing, collecting memorabilia regarding the service of firefighting and raising Boxer puppies. Survivors also include three sisters, Kerrie Tauscher of Oxford, MI, Debra Stout of Chicago, IL, Grinda Stout of Terrell, TX; two step-children, Guy Higbee of Austin, TX, Mandy Masters of Lebo, KS; two step-grandchildren, Austin and Logan Higbee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, with burial following in the Westmoreland City Cemetery. Mr. Smith will lie in-state at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, where the family will greet friends during a visitation from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Westmoreland Fire Department and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, 66547.