Howard Albert Smith, of Cummings, KS, died peacefully on October 26, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 83.
A service to celebrate Howard’s life will be on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Cormode officiating. Interment will follow in Sumner Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday at the funeral home beginning at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the Cummings Christian Church in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.
Howard was born in Atchison, KS, on December 31, 1940, the son of Henry A. Smith and Elizabeth (Reichle) Smith. He attended rural elementary schools, graduating from Atchison County Community High School.
He and Mary Ellen “Judy” Oliver were united in marriage on June 24, 1962, at the Cummings Christian Church; Judy survives of the couple’s home. Howard is also survived by his son, Greg (Stacey) Smith; a sister, Marjorie Smith; and two grandchildren, Austin Smith and Lauren Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Henry “Richard” Smith, an infant daughter, Debbie Ann Smith; and a grandson, Colby Smith.
Howard assisted with the Walnut Township for many years with grading and tending to the roads and was on the board of RWD #6.
Howard worked for the Ford Plant at Claycomo for four years until he joined his father and brother full time on the farm. He loved tending to his cattle and his ground over the years and was proud to share farming with his son and grandson. Most recently, he could be found driving his ranger to make sure the guys were “doing things right” and he loved checking on his cattle. Running his dozer to fix drainage issues and improve the farm brought him great joy. He was a supportive husband, father and grandfather. His knowledge and gentle kindness will remain in his family’s hearts forever.
