Services for Albert George “Sonny” Smith, 82, Lawrence, will be 11 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be 4 p.m. Monday at Hosey Hill Cemetery in Weir, Kansas.
Al died Thursday, January 14, 2016 at his home.
He was born December 22, 1933, in Carona, Kansas, the son of Albert George and Anna Marie Ghilino Smith. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1957 with a Bachelors of Science in Dairy Husbandry.
Al served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. From 1957 to 1977 he was employed at the University of Kansas as the manager of the Mammalian Genetics Lab. He then was the business manager of the K.U. Animal Care Unit from 1977 until retiring in 1999. Al was a member and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, volunteer for Meals on Wheels & L.I.N.K., a former member of Breakfast Cosmos, Kiwanis, scout master of Troop 59, member of Lawrence Bridge Club (formerly University Bridge Club) for 37 years. He was very generous, gentle, kind, and caring. His family was most important to him.
He married Carol Ann Mummert, October 12, 1957 in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include a son, Robert Freeman Smith and wife Lisa of Lawrence; daughters, Stephanie Jean Smith of Lawrence, Jamie Jo Hatfield and husband Mark of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, Christina Smith and husband Ryan Shaughnessy, Jessica Smith and fiancé Matthew Teague, Nicholas Hatfield, Amanda Hatfield; great grandson, Liam Shaughnessy; sisters, Alberta June Chesner of Columbus, KS, Valorie White and husband Dennis of Wichita, KS; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church (L.I.N.K.) and Lawrence Bridge Club, sent in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Carol and family – we were so saddened to hear about Sonny’s passing. Sonny was always so kind and friendly. As I recall all of the wonderful stories Carol shared over the years it was very obvious that Sonny was a man who loved his family dearly with all of his heart. We are so very sorry for this huge loss in your family.
Carol and family, my heart and deepest sympathy go out to all of you. His sense of humor and quiet demeanor will be remembered and greatly missed. Love to all.
I remember Sonny back in the good old Carona Ks days
He will be missed by all of us. Carol, Sonny loved you and his family dearly. Our prayers are with you.
Our sympathy
Louis and Judith Martin Caputo
Frontenac, Ks
I was so surprised to learn of Sonny’s passing. My sympathy and prayers to the family at this time of your gréât loss. I knew Sonny from the many homecoming events he attended at Weir with you Carol. He was always so welcoming and gracions and easy to talk to. Great sensé of humor as I remember. Didn’t know he was a pinochle player. I love to play pinochle, too. You were a gréât match! There is no doubt he will be greatly missed by the family and his many friends.
My family has known and loved your family for years.So sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Carol and family. I have fond memories of Cottonwood holiday parties hosted by Sonny and Carol in their home in Lawrence and then out on the farm. Sonny was so welcoming, gracious, and fun, warmly welcoming the many guests who attended these events. Carol and Sonny were clearly soul mates and it was such a pleasure to be in their company. I am saddened by his passing and hope The family finds comfort in the love and concern of their many friends and in the rich memories they all share.
We were deeply saddened hearing about your loss of Al. Our friendship with Al goes back to the several years we spent working together at the University of Kansas Animal Care Unit. Al was always a competent, friendly and dependable employee. He managed people well and earned the respect of everyone. We are changed people for having had valuable time with Al. We will all miss Al and wish you, Carol, the very best in the days ahead. Be assured, you were married to the best!
Al was so gracious. Thankful to have crossed paths with you both. He will be remembered for years to come on the “farm.”
Peace to you!
It is only fitting that I received a text about Sonny’s passing while I was playing Bridge. I had just told those I was playing with about how I learned to play from good friends, Sonny and Carol. I will always remember his smile and keen sense of humor. He will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered.
Sonny was one of the smartest, funniest, and kindest people I have ever known. He was definitely a worthy match for Carol. He was interested in everyone and everything. Sonny’s unfailing concern for others was a true gift to us all. He will be deeply missed.
We will always remember Sonny’s smile and his low-key sense of humor. Carol and family, our hearts go out to you for your loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
So sad to hear this. Prayers for the family.
The Heaven’s have certainly received an Angel called Al
Smith..
To Carol and the Smith Family – We are so sorry for your sudden and tragic loss. Sonny was a fine, gentle man and terrific pinochle player. He and his delightful smile will be missed. RIP dear friend.
We all have lost a good friend. Albert was one of the nicest people I have ever known. I send my condolences to his wife and my friend, Carol, and to all of his family.