Funeral services with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical and United States Air Force Honors for Robert Steven “Steve” Smith, 50, Lecompton, will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Mustard Seed Church, with Department Chaplain Rev. Paul Taylor and Chaplains Rev. Tim Moulett and Capt. Ben Hayden officiating. Cremation is planned following the services.
Mr. Smith died Monday, Mar. 21, 2011, at his home.
He was born Sept. 21, 1960, in Plattsburg, N.Y., the son of Robert Elmer and Anna Lois Hughes Smith. He graduated from high school in Sumpter, S.C. He joined the United States Air Force in 1981 and later joined the United States Army, before returning to the Air Force. He served during Operations Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. He had attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, and was scheduled to be promoted to Chief Master Sergeant.
He was employed by the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical as an engineer/EMT-I, with 20 years of service. He enjoyed firearms and his quarter horse.
Survivors include two sons, Joshua Smith, Ottawa, and Chance Smith, Topeka; his parents, Osage City; a brother, Gary Smith, Berryton; a sister, Lara Tauck, Ekalaka, Mont.; five grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews.
Friend may call from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Mustard Seed Church, with honors provided by Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical.
The family suggests memorial contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project, in care of the funeral home, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044
