John P. Smith

John P. Smith, 96, of Marysville, Kansas, died Thursday, September 8, 2011 at his home. A rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Marysville Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13 at St. Gregory's Catholic Church. Father Father Pat Sullivan officiated. Dolores Bruna played the organ while the church choir sang “Prayer of St. Francis”, “Amazing Grace”, “On Eagles Wings”, “Here I Am Lord” and “Ava Maria”. Teh pallbearers were Steve Boyda, Roger Ring, Richard Smith, Mark Borgerding, James Borgerding and Kurt Staggenborg. Burial was in the church cemetery. John was born April 29, 1915 in Marysville, Kansas, the son of William and Helena (Ring) Smith. He was a WWII veteran having proudly served as 1st Sargent in the 24th Division of the 19th Infantry of the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during which time he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. After being honorably discharged in 1946, he was united in marriage to Frances Russell on December 21, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan. They raised their family in Clawson, Michigan. John spent 38 years as a member of Operating Engineers Local 324 in Michigan as a master mechanic. Upon retiring in 1976, he and his family moved back to Marysville. John was a life-long member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV and Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of St. Gregory's Catholic Church. Family and church were very important to him. Two of his favoirite past-times were playing cards (especially pinochle) with family and friends, and being outdoors fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, John Behr; and grand-daughter, Allie Behr. Survivors include his wife of 64 years; three daughters, Pat Behr and Karen (Jay) Blair, all of Michigan, and Sue Smith, Manhattan, KS; son, John Smith, Jr., Marysville; sister, Kate Boyda, Marysville; brother, Francis Smith, Marysville; and three grand-daughters, Heather Behr, Katie and Krysti Blair. The family wishes to thank Meadowlark Hospice for their excellent care during John's extended illness. A memorial fund has been established. Contributions may be sent in John's name to Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John P. Smith, please visit our flower store.