Quay H. Smith was born January 10, 1925, in Vine Creek, Kansas to Nellie and Ray Smith at the homestead before the doctor could arrive. He was the fourth child of ten and the last of the siblings to depart this physical world. Proceeding him in death were Oren James Smith, Ray O. Smith, Samuel Smith, Maude Emma Tyler, Opal Kiekel, Emery Smith, Chester Smith, Quentin Smith, and Dan Smith. His youngest daughter Elizabeth “Betty” Foos left this world prior to his passing.
On August 21, 2024, his wife and daughters, along with other family members, were honored to be by his side at last breath. Hie is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters June and Sheryl of the homestead and Cindy Yother (Tom) of Lawrence, grandchildren, Ashley Foos (Justin Crooks) of Lawrence, son-in-law, Rick Foos, grandchildren, Philip Foos and Evan Foos reside on the homestead community, Tommy Yother II and Meredith Revell; great grandchildren, Sidney Loney (Eli Loney), Abigail Yother and Russell Yother and Rebecca Revell.
With many talents and purpose in life he broke horses before going into the US Army and serving in the Philippines during WWII where he was awarded a Purple Heart. His hearing was still out to sea on a gunner ship! After the war, he met a beautiful red head who served a great slice of pie and married Patricia A. Shaughnessy on May 7, 1949 (that is 75 years of bliss). Shortly after the nuptials he went to work for Southwestern Bell and retired after 39 years at the young age of 62 to work his own cattle and many acres. The man, the legend and his legacy live on with the fences, posts and toil he put into the earth. Those home-grown garden goods were some of his favorite foods along with pie and ice cream.
He had a passion for life like no other. The stories he told of riding his horse to school, working the prairie land northwest of Abilene, KS and traveling to Alaska with his brothers could keep anyone rivetted to his side for hours. He loved hunting, bowling, fishing, snow skiing, his girls, 5 grandkids, 4 great grandkids, nieces, nephews and the neighbor’s kids. Often sneaking off to teach them to fish or shoot in his gator or new dragon. Any excuse to be outside in the fresh air made him the man that you knew or wanted to know because he made everyone laugh. If you would like to wear your bib overalls on Tuesday, please do, he’d find that hilarious.
Quay was a cowboy and a soldier who believed our indigenous peoples were underserved. Please consider donating to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.
Services will be held Tuesday August 27, 2024, Warren-McElwain 10:30 am. Military Honors burial ensues directly after the services in Memorial Park Cemetery, 1517 E. 15th Street, Lawrence, KS.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com .
Memorial Park Cemetery
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