Francis Eugene “Gene” Smith, Jr., 80, passed away Feb. 12, 2025, at The University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend, Kan. He was born in Dighton, Kan., on Aug. 28, 1944, to Francis Eugene, Sr. and Marjorie Etta (Tustin) Smith. On Oct. 17, 2017, he married Cindy Lee in Great Bend.

Gene was a veteran of the United States Navy from 1961 to 1967, being honorably discharged with the rank of BM3. He had multiple professions throughout his life: first as a cowboy on ranches in Arizona, next a career with Canteen Vending and Food Service, retiring in 1995, then went on to design cabinets. Gene was a gifted, self-taught artist, and enjoyed doing children and pet portraits. He offered drawing demonstrations for many years in crayon, colored and graphite pencil at the Kansas State Fair and won several ribbons for artwork entries. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Optimist Club. He was a past member of Artists At Large, Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife of the home; daughter, Genia Hayes (Jimmy) of Ellinwood; step children, Melissa Leiker (Chad) of Great Bend, Chris Stephens (Heidi) of Kansas City, Mo., and Travis Lee of Wichita; two granddaughters, Nicole McKie (Adam), and Audrey Likes; 12 grandchildren from his blended family, Tristan, Reagan, Alexa, Breanna, Jaxton, Deja, Zaid (Stephanie), Ethan (Kennedy), Jacob and Adam; six great grandchildren, Noah, Cyrus, Parker, River, Willow, and Weston; sister, Kathy Chavez of Avondale, Arizona; brother-in-law, Mark Meyer (Elaine); and sisters-in-law, Barbara Smith, Inge Smith, Mary McGee, and Denise Thode; many nieces and nephews; and beloved yorkie, Carly. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Dr. Darrel, Robert, and Stanley Smith; brother in law, Tony McGee; sister in law, Patti Smith.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Reverend Jay Welshonse presiding. Memorials have been designated to Trinity Lutheran Church, Central Care Cancer Center, or Golden Belt Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 15, 2025