David Smies

   David Ernest Smies, 81, of Wamego passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023 in his own home. He was surrounded by his daughter’s, Amber and Sarah’s love.

   Born February 6, 1942 in Corpus Christi, TX he was the son of John Smies and Gladys (Behrends) Smies. He attended Courtland High School and graduated 1960.   David served in the US Navy between 1963-1969.

   His Dad knew the draft lady, she warned him he had two weeks before he would get his draft letter. He joined the Navy before he was drafted. He was sworn into the Navy by his Father, Lt. Commander John J Smies.

   After Basic training, in the cold of January 1963, he served in the Vietnam War aboard the USS Bennington, CVS 20. He was a radio repairman and fixed electronics on S-2 tracker planes. His travels took him to Japan, Hawaii and more. He was honorably discharged and drove from California to Courtland in a blue MG sports car that had no heater. 

   Growing up in a Navy family, took them to many parts of the world.  When he was 5 he lived in Warrington, OR where he enjoyed playing in the forest by their house. He said going to first grade ruined his forest exploration time. In 1955 when he was 12, his family was stationed in Naples, Italy. He took his mother’s butter knife and would remove Communist posters from the side of buildings. Once he and his friend were chased by a Communist patrol!

   David attended K-State and graduated with his bachelor degree in business in 1972. He then went to work for a local antique business, The Treasure Chest in Aggieville. Together, with his wife at the time, Susan, they started their own antique and coin business, 'Mom and Pop's Collectibles' in Manhattan. Together they raised their children Amber and Sarah in Manhattan

   After their separation of 14 years, the store became 'Pop’s Collectibles' and he was known as "Pop" from then on. For 50 years he worked his dream job selling coins, jewelry and antiques. When you walked into his store, he would greet you with his deep voice with a “Howdy”, a joke, and the most generous spirit. Dave was a fair and honest man, who treated others as he wished to be treated. He loved his business and his friends and customers. Our hearts have an empty space that will be missed greatly as we’ve had to say goodbye for now to a one of a kind father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend and so much more.

   David is survived by his oldest daughter Amber Nicholls, husband Steve and their 2 children, Alex and Jack and youngest daughter Sarah Bartlett and family.  His sister Linda Kraus of Pretty Prairie also survives along with nephew Rick Kraus and niece Karen Perry.  In addition there were many loved cousins.

   Special mention to his brother from another mother, Mark Ross, who has been by his side since 1980. Not to forget his beloved orange and white cat, Baby, that supported him until the end. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents John and Gladys Smies of Courtland Kansas and niece Paula Hilbert (Kraus) and his brother in law, Vernon Kraus of Pretty Prairie, KS. 

   Services to celebrate David’s life will be held Saturday afternoon (December 30, 2023) at 1:00  at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Military Honors will be accorded by the U. S. Navy Funeral Honors Detail and the Wamego American Legion Post No. 172.

   The family will meet with attendee’s and light appetizers will be served following the service at the mortuary.

   Attire is flannel shirts and jeans to honor Dave’s spirit.

   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the charity of the donor’s choice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.