Daniel L. Smith, of Overland Park, KS, died peacefully on Jan. 23, 2023, at Villa St. Francis Catholic Care Center where he received excellent care the past two years.
Born on March 14, 1929, in Richmond, VA, Dan was a devoted husband, father of five, grandfather of nine, and great-grandfather of ten. An Eagle Scout as a teenager, Dan enlisted in the Navy after high school but was soon selected for the NROTC program and graduated from the University of Louisville. Dan served as Captain in the United States Marine Corps in Korea, earning a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor. Just prior to leaving the Marine Corps, Dan received his most prestigious award, the hand in marriage to his beloved “Patsy.” Together they raised five loving children while Dan supported the family with a long career in life insurance and financial planning.
Upon retiring, Dan bought himself a Yamaha motorcycle at age 70 and rode all over the Kansas City area, proud that he was never in, or caused, an accident. But more than anything, Dan loved to laugh, tell stories, gather family, play the organ, and watch reruns of Hogan’s Heroes. His passions and hobbies were numerous, and included acting (Queen’s Players, Barn Players), flying, sailing, stamp and coin collecting, guns, photography, making and painting lead soldiers, and reading, to name just a few.
Dan’s grandchildren affectionately called him “Papa,” and he played the most jovial Santa at family gatherings on Christmas Eve. He was a true character, patriot and family man. He will be missed.
Dan was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Patricia, in 2010 and daughter-in-law Michelle Smith in 2011. He leaves his children Mark Smith, Scottsdale, AZ; Susan Wilmore (Mike), Lenexa, KS; Jan Dumay, Overland Park, KS; Paul Smith (Debbie), Lenexa, KS; and Jim Smith (Mary Anne), Jacksonville, FL.
Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Graveside service with military honors will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8300 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Folds of Honor or Villa St. Francis Care Center.