September 20, 2021

Published in the Linn County News Sept. 22, 2021

Wilbur Lee Smith, age 84, Fort Scott, Kan. formerly of Pleasanton, Kan. passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021.  He was born in Moran, Kan. on Nov. 9, 1936, the son of Richard Dwight and Faith Kibble Smith.

Wilbur attended 1st grade in Mound City, finishing up his elementary school education at Union School, a one-room school near the family farm.  Wilbur attended and graduated from Pleasanton High School.  He was united in marriage to Verla Morris on April 7, 1957. 

After high school Wilbur served his country in the United States Army in Korea.  After returning from Korea he worked in Fort Scott until he and Verla purchased the family farm following the death of his father and brother Leonard.  He would continue to farm until he retired. 

He enjoyed attending auctions and buying old and unusual items such as toys, cars, trucks, tractors, bulldozers, and anything that would catch his eye.  He spent countless hours repairing and restoring these treasures.  Most of all, Wilbur Smith was a devoted husband, father, and a doting grandfather, and his granddaughter had him wrapped around her little finger.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Connor Lynn Smith, and Leonard Dwight Smith.  Wilbur is survived by his wife Verla, a son, Jeffery Smith and wife Kimberly, a brother, Roger Dean Smith and wife Joanne Smith, sister, Coleta Wurtz, a sister-in-law Gloria Smith, and granddaughter Sara Ross and husband Aaron.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.  Burial in the Trading Post Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Schneider Pleasanton Chapel.  Contributions are suggested to Integrity Hospice, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, Kan.  66075