Garry Gene Smith, Sr., 77, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater, KS.  Born July 8, 1946, at Clarinda, IA, he was the second son of Joseph and Alice (Honaker) Smith.  On April 21, 1963, he married Judith E. Crowley in Nebraska City, NE.

He joined the U.S. Navy in San Diego, CA in August of 1963 and served on the U.S.S. Haleakala during the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged in September of 1966.

Although moving several times during their married life, they settled their family in Protection, KS in the spring of 1981, driving a truck for Filson Manufacturing.  He was baptized at the Grace Bible Church in Protection, KS.

He is survived by their four children: Garry G. Smith, Jr. (Loann) of Lenox, IA, Richard L. Smith (Stephanie) of Hugoton, KS, Jeanette L. Houghton (Mark) of Protection, KS, and Anthony W. "Tony" Smith of Coldwater, KS; two brothers: Dennis Smith (Charmaine) of Protection, KS and Lyle Smith (Christine) of Protection, KS; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, on April 24, 2022.  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Alice; two brothers: Larry Joe and David; one sister: Linda; and a daughter-in-law: Annie.

A private family inurnment will be held at the Protection Cemetery in Protection, KS, at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to W.E.P.A.C. or Protection Beautification Committee in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.