Wilbur H. Smith, 90, of Herington, Kansas, passed away December 17, 2020. He was born March 18, 1930 in Ellsworth, Kansas to Benson h. Smith and Eunice V. (Giesler) Smith) Walter. Wilbur “Smitty” graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948. He served in the US Army from Feb. 1951 to Nov. 1952, serving most of his time in Korea.
On September 8th, 1952, Smitty married the love of his life, Phyllis A. Long in Lincoln, NE. In 1954, Smitty and Phyl moved to Wichita, KS, where Smitty enrolled into Wichita Univeristy (WSU). He graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Geology in 1958. Smitty worked for the State Highway Commission as an Engineer for 7 years. In 1965, Smitty and Phyl moved to Herington, where Smitty started working for State Farm Insurance and retired after 30 years.
Smitty was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Easter Star, Shriners, VFW Auxiliary as well as VFW lifetime member. Smitty loved traveling, camping and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Henry Walter, half-brother Ronald E. Walter, step-brother Virgil Walter, and step-sister Darlen Loman.
Smitty is survived by his loving wife Phyllis; son Benson H. Smith (Caroline) of Herington; daughter Jacquline M. Miller (Kevin) of Delavan; brother Silas Smith (Peggy) of St. Louis, MO; step-sister Elvera Miller of Olathe, and step-brother Gerald Walter of Lincoln, KS; 4 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Due to the Covid Pandemic, a Celebration of Smitty’s Life will be held at a later time. A private family burial will be held at Lincoln, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children or Herington Historical Society Museum. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.