David Charles Smith

David Charles Smith, 77, Offerle, died Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Salina Regional Health Center.

He was born October 17, 1946 in Kinsley, the son of C.M. "Jack" and Juanita Smith in Spearville, Kansas.  He was a 1964 graduate of Kinsley High School and graduated in 1969 from Fort Hays State College where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture.  He later received his teaching certificate from Saint Mary of the Plains in Dodge City.  On June 6, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Bronwen Mary Erickson in Offerle, Kansas.  They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

When he was young, he worked for his uncle Les, and helped on the farm for both his family as well as his future father-in-law's farm.  In college, he worked at the Fort Hays Dairy.  David taught Science classes at Kinsley High School for 31 years, retiring in 2010.  David began his career with USD 347 as a bus driver in the late 70's.  He began teaching in 1979.  Teaching Biology and General Science was his passion and he loved building relationships with his students.   Some would still stop by the house, years later to ask for advice for different things.  Others were there for him in his last few months, caring for him at the hospital, helping around the yard, or anything else he needed and was unable to do alone.  Mr. Smith as he was most known for in his teaching days also loved to coach. He spent many hours coaching wrestling, football, track an cross country. His teaching continued throughout the summers at the Upward Bound Program through Dodge City Community College.  He continued his love of farming as well by helping friends on their farms.  David loved driving the combine during wheat harvest.  He spent other summers working as a carpenter.  He was a man of many skills and talents.  If he didn’t know how, he learned to look things up on YouTube, which is how he learned to make beautiful pieces on his lathe, starting a fun little business he called  “Complete Turnings.”  David and Bronwen attended several craft shows where he would sell his pieces made from different types of wood, acrylic and his favorite, deer antlers.

David never met a stranger and was known for his great storytelling ability and his funny one liners.

David had many hobbies and was seldom sedentary in his younger years!  He loved to hunt and fish, teaching his skills to so many people, his children, their friends, his nephews and anyone else who came along.  He loved to sing, singing in Church and many weddings and funerals.  David enjoyed playing games with his family which is where they all get their competitive nature.  He loved following all his kids activities and later his grandchildren’s activities up until his last few months. After officially retiring, David and Bronwen spent many summers in Salida, Colorado in their camper where they made many more life long friends.

David was an organ donor. His eyes will be used for teaching and to possible help someone else with the gift of sight.

David was a past member of the First Christian Church in Kinsley, Offerle Lions Club and was a 4-H Community leader. Most recently, he and Bronwen were very involved in the Offerle Community Church.

David is survived by his wife, Bronwen, of the home, son: Russell and significant other, Michelle Brewer, daughter, Kimberly and husband, Matthew of Hays, son, Michael and wife Cynthia of Hays. Grandchildren, Britney (Colten Swenson) Reed, Tanner Smith, Jaylen (Nick) Meyer, Jessica Lopez, Austin (Yulya Askolya)Lopez, Ashley Lopez, Luke, Leah and Brenna Fletcher as well as Shannon and Cassidy Smith.  Great Grandchildren, Kyson, Aveyah, Treyton, Cora, and Sonya.  Nephews who were like sons to him, Jake (Kayla) and Tyler (Becky) Crotts and their daughters Ella and Willow. Dear friends who have become family John Davis and Angel Faucett and her family.  Siblings, Danny Smith and wife, Jan of Kinsley, Diana Lehmann and late husband Mark of Los Fresnos, Texas.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Juanita Smith, infant, twin sisters, Mary Lou and Linda Sue as well as his own twin who was stillborn.

Funeral will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Kinsley High School Auditorium, 716 North Colony Avenue, Kinsley, Kansas.  Visitation will be at McKillip Funeral Home on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 5:00-8:00.

Donations can be made to the Physical Therapy Department at Edwards County Hospital or to the Offerle Community Church.