Dr. Terry D. Smith, 81, passed away August 9, 2022 at Diversicare of Larned, Larned, Kansas.
He was born June 2, 1941 in Argonia, KS, the son of T. Dale Smith and Faye Weist Smith. He graduated from Larned High School in 1959. He attended Pratt Community College from 1959-1961. He became the National Junior College Singles’ tennis champion in 1961 for which he was inducted into the Pratt Community College Hall of Fame in 2021. He then attended the University of Kansas for 1 year before entering dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City from which he graduated in 1966.
Terry served 2 years in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Commander in 1968. He then returned to Larned with his wife and family where he established his dental practice. He retired in 2018.
On June 24, 1962 he married Charlene Rae Stewart in Larned, KS. She passed away November 20, 2001. On July 19, 2003 he married Jill Rochelle Christensen in Larned, KS. She survives.
Survivors include: one daughter, Doris (Jack) Tebow, Quinter, KS; 3 sons, Troy (Cindi) Smith, Larned, KS, Dr. Trent (Julie) Smith, Larned, KS, Tad (Tara) Smith, Shawnee, KS; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Other survivors: two brothers, Theo (Linda) Smith, Logandale, NV, Clay (Judy) Smith, Larned, KS; one sister, Bonita Meyers, Wichita, KS.
Terry was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church, Larned, KS. He was a longtime member and past president of the Noon Lion’s Club. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a Boy Scout and later served as a troop leader. He enjoyed an active lifestyle including tennis, bowling, shooting sports, racquetball, golf, running, and bicycling. His other hobbies included hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He was an avid life-long bird watcher. He loved the Lord, his family, and the KU Jayhawks. He was truly BLESSED.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Ryan Webster presiding. Service will be viewable via Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary. Burial will follow at the Larned Cemetery with Military Graveside Honors. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2022 at Beckwith Mortuary with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be given to the Larned Indian High School Booster Club in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.