Howard Z. Smith

Our Loving father, Howard “HZ” Z. Smith, 90, of Lawrence, Kansas. He passed peacefully on Oct. 1, 2026 at Homestead, in Eudora, Kansas surrounded by his children. Howard was born on July 28, 1936, in Winchester, Kansas, to Alva Fay Smith and Clara Emma (Taylor) Smith. He grew up on a farm near Valley Falls, Kansas and was one of eight children. Howard spent most of his life in the Lawrence area, though his journey also took him to Topeka, Manhattan, and Junction City, KS, and Gravois Mills, MO.

He graduated from Winchester High School and attended Kansas State University in Electrical Engineering.

Growing up on a farm taught him the skills to fix anything, the drive to get ahead, and the ambition to make it happen. Throughout his journey, he explored many diverse career opportunities that earned him the title of “jack of all trades” while collecting knowledge, experiences, and stories along the way. He was an entrepreneur and owned and operated several businesses. Howard founded: K-Hill Engine Service at the age of 23, 6 years; EFD Delivery Service as a contract agent, 2 years; and in 1977 HZ Smith Motors, Inc., 36 years.

His greatest pride was founding HZ Smith Motors. He took his passion for buying, fixing, and selling cars, and made it into a successful business. He enjoyed talking with the customers, talking shop and swapping stories with the regulars, and made lifelong friendships along the way.

After retirement from Smith Motors, he continued to buy, fix, and sell anything, because he couldn’t get the passion and drive out of his system.

Howard was a devoted husband to Fredonna for 69 years until her passing in 2025, and a proud father to Kevin, Karen and Keith. Fredonna and family always followed his adventures, no matter where it took them. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, sharing stories, and teaching them the values he held dear-how to fix things, hard work, fun and family.

Beyond his work and family, Howard gave generously of his time, volunteering at the United Methodist Church in Lawrence, helping at the Methodist Church Camp after Kartina, and was always lending a hand, sharing his skills or offering a word of advice. Howard and Fredonna served as an alternative home for children with Volunteers in Court and in 1987 they were voted Alternative Home Family of the Year. He achieved a lifelong dream by earning his pilot’s license, and flew for several years.

To all that knew him, remember his generous heart and warm spirit, his words of wisdom, positive thinking, patience, and his compassion for helping others.

Left to cherish his memory are: his children, Kevin Smith, Karen Hall, and Keith Smith, (fiancé, Diana Dissinger); sister, Bess Brown-Brewer; 3 grandchildren Tiffany Hall, Kendra, (Scott) Shipley, and Branden (Casey) Smith; a great granddaughter, Angel Hall.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Fredonna Winans Smith; daughter, Christine Smith; sisters, Leita Heibsch, Dorthy Holcolm; brothers: Clarence and Marvin Smith, Gene, Melvin and Bob Breitsprecher.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Alzheimer’s Association and can be sent under Howard’s name to Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, 11 a.m., October 24, 2026 at Warren–McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St in Lawrence, KS 66044.

The Smith family would like to thank family and friends, Homestead Memory Care staff of Eudora, and Ascend Hospice Care for their help and support through Howard’s Alzheimer’s journey.

For more information or to post a condolence, go to warrenmcelwain.com. A live stream will also be going at time of services under Howard Z Smith.