Steven Ray Smith, age 77, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on Monday. April 10, 2023, after a long battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandfather.
Steve was born on April 17, 1945, in Pittsburg, to Gene and Helen Moody Smith. He attended Pittsburg schools, and graduated with Pittsburg High School’s class of 1963. Following high school, he served his Country in the U.S. Army National Guard.
He married Karen Wilson of Fort Scott, Kansas, on April 30, 1980. After 43 years of devoted marriage, Karen survives of the home. Steve and Karen faithfully attended and supported the Pittsburg Church of the Nazarene.
Steve worked for Pittcraft Printing in Pittsburg, and at SeKan Printing in Fort Scott, along with Karen. Following their retirement, Steve and Karen enjoyed many happy years together.
Steve was an honest, honorable, and dependable community citizen, striving to lead by example as a positive role model for family and friends. While friendly to all, he had a quiet demeanor and a dry sense of humor, and was known for his funny stories. A compassionate animal lover, Steve had several special pet dogs in his lifetime – most recently a beloved, yet spoiled, beagle named Maggie, who passed away last year.
Steve was also an auto enthusiast. He took great pride in the meticulous maintenance and detailing of his ever-evolving fleet of cars and trucks, keeping them in pristine condition. A light rain shower that ruined a fresh wax job would send shivers down his spine. Some joked that Steve would nearly buff the paint off of his vehicles in his efforts to keep them looking showroom-perfect.
In addition to his wife, Karen, Steve is survived by a son Scott Smith (Gabriel Wiggins) of Albuquerque, NM, a daughter, Candice Bland (Kyle) of El Dorado Springs, MO, and grandchildren Jacob and Jeremey Smith and Camille Bland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Helen Smith and his grandparents, Gene and Helen Moody.
Steve and his family have been thankful for the doctors, caregivers, church, and community members who have provided comfort and support through medical treatments, therapy, and prayers over the past several years.
A service to honor Steve Smith’s memory will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM at PittNaz Church, 816 E. Quincy Street in Pittsburg. Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg. Memorials are suggested to the SEK Humane Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the Online Guestbook at cheneywitt.com.